An outstanding example of good riparian management on the upper Halswell River- Hopefully greater sections of the river willbe restored into this ecologically sensitive state
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Unacceptable riparian bank works- note no buffer and high sediment loadin river- a photo from 2008 taken atTai Tapu -
The restoration of Harts Creek and it's riparian zone is an outstanding regional success. The endemic scaup( a diving duck) find suitabl... -
Sadly human waste (sewerage) is still discharged into several tributaries, such as Tramway Reserve, which flow into Lake Ellesmere- Te Waiho... -
Water pollution in the Canterbury Region From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search The Canterbury Region is in the S...
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New Zealand's fresh water can never be as clean and pure as it once was, but action must be taken to improve the quality of rivers, lake...
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An outstanding example of good riparian management on the upper Halswell River- Hopefully greater sections of the river willbe restored into... -
Govt funds for multi-million freshwater clean-up Saturday, 3 March 2012, 2:58 pm Press Release: New Zealand Government Rt Hon John Key Prime...
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When properly managed lowland waterways have the potential for trophy sized brown trout- Canterbury's Selwyn River once had a world clas...
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Dead livestock in lowland waterways such as at Prices Stream continues to be a major water pollution issue. ECAN have been alerted of this e...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Ladbrooks School riparian planting
An outstanding example of good riparian management on the upper Halswell River- Hopefully greater sections of the river willbe restored into this ecologically sensitive state
Water pollution in the Canterbury Region From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Water pollution in the Canterbury Region
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
The Canterbury Region is in the South Island of New Zealand.
Water pollution in Canterbury in New Zealand has become a notable environmental issue due in a large part to the burgeoning dairy industry.
Water resources are under the jurisdiction of the Canterbury Regional Council (Ecan) under the Resource Management Act (RMA), and water abstraction and use for irrigation requires a resource consent. There is opposition to new irrigation schemes since they are seen to exacerbate water pollution.
The municipal water supply for Christchurch, sourced from the aquifers beneath the city, is untreated. This is unusual for a city of its size.
Contents
[hide]
1 Background
2 Issues
3 Mitigation
4 Prosecutions
5 See also
6 References
7 Further reading
8 External links
[edit] Background
Due to the rain shadow effect of the Southern Alps the rainfall in Canterbury is lower than many other parts of the country at 500–700 mm per year.[1] Water from melting snow and ice and from rainfall drain into the predominantly braided rivers on the Canterbury Plains. The rivers recharge the aquifers beneath the plains.
The Canterbury Region was traditionally arable and livestock farming but there have been a large number of dairy conversions in the region. In recent years there has been a huge expansion in dairy farming throughout the South Island.[2] Dairy farming requires the intensive use of water and it is placing a high demand on water resources in the Canterbury Region.
[edit] Issues
A water pollution sign on the Waimakariri River in 2004.
The rivers and groundwater are being polluted with nitrates and E. coli and proposed irrigation schemes can increase the pollution levels. Nitrate concentrations in the groundwater are above the drinking water standards in some areas and elevated levels are widespread. Indications are showing that the concentrations are rising. Inorganic nutrients, an indication of water quality, are considered to be low but increase closer to the coast. For 2000-2001 28% of tested sites were classed as "alert" due to the presence of organic pollutants.[3]
Water pollution of the two rivers flowing through the city of Christchurch, the Avon and the Heathcote, is of concern. Untreated sewerage can flow into the rivers during times of high rainfall. The estuary where the two rivers discharge had received treated water from the sewerage treatment plant that processed the city's sewerage. However, a pipeline was constructed to discharge the water into Pegasus Bay. It became operational in 2010.[4]
The Central Plains Water scheme is a large-scale proposal for water diversion, damming, reticulation and irrigation over an area of 60,000 ha. Other proposed schemes will irrigate an addition 90,000 ha.[3] A scheme to dam the Hurunui River to create water storage for irrigation attracted large scale opposition due in part to the possibility of increased water pollution. The resource consent application for the dams were put on hold.
A large number of resource consent applications for intensive dairy farming in the Mackenzie Basin attracted opposition due in part to the potential effects on water quality.[5] The resource consents were called in under the RMA by the Minister for the Environment Nick Smith.[6]
Cheviot has been on a boil water notice since October 2004.[7]
Dunsandel had an untreated water supply but in 2009 E. coli was found in the 70 metre deep well that supplies the town. Effluent from dairy cows is suspected to be the cause of the pollution.[8]
[edit] Mitigation
The Dairying and Clean Streams Accord was set up by Fonterra and a number of government agencies as a means of reducing nonpoint source pollution. The Accord is criticised for not achieving its goals.[9]
[edit] Prosecutions
In recent years prosecutions have been made for causing water pollution:
2009 - Philip Curry was fined $5,000 after pleading guilty to discharging effluent onto land that may have resulted in contaminants entering nearby Barry's Bay Stream.[10]
2009 - Corlette Holdings was fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to two charges of discharging effluent from an irrigator resulted in ponding and a second charge of effluent being discharged, which may have resulted in contaminated water.[11]
2010 - A prosecution against Brook Farms and Mosbro Farms in Ashburton was withdrawn after they agreed to mitigate the effects of the effluent discharge.[12]
[edit] See also
Canterbury Water Management Strategy
Water pollution in New Zealand
Water in New Zealand
Environment of New Zealand
Agriculture in New Zealand
[edit] References
^ State of the Climate 2010: A snapshot of recent climate in New Zealand, NIWA Science & Technology Series No. 56, NIWA, 2010, ISSN 1173-0382
^ "Agricultural Production Statistics". Statistics New Zealand. June 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ a b PCE (October 2004). Growing for good: Intensive farming, sustainability and New Zealand's environment. Wellington: Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. p. 46. ISBN 1-877274-51-8. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ "Ocean Outfall opens". Christchurch City Council. 24 Mar 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ Williams, David (2009-05-30). "MacKenzies Basin 'water grab' opposed". The Press. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
^ "Minister calls in Mackenzie Basin dairy discharge consents". Beehive. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ "Community and Public Health - Summary Report to CPH&DSAC". Canterbury District Health Board. 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
^ Macfie, Rebecca (May 1–7, 2010). "Moo-dunnit?". Listener Vol 223 No 3651. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ *Neil Deans, Kevin Hackwell (October 2008). "Dairying and Declining Water Quality". Fish & Game New Zealand, Forest & Bird.
^ "Banks Peninsula dairy farmer fined for effluent discharge". Ecan. 17 April 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ "Canterbury dairy farm fined for effluent discharge.". Ecan. 17 March 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ "Prosecution withdrawn for dairy shed effluent discharge". Ecan. 31 March 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
[edit] Further reading
Mahon, Sam (2006). The Water Thieves. Dunedin, NZ: Longacre Press. ISBN 1-877361-51-8.
Rodgers, Murray (2009). Canterbury's Wicked Water: Politics, Progress and Prosperity Imperilled. Christchurch, N.Z: CWW Solutions. ISBN 9780473150853.
Growing for good: Intensive farming, sustainability and New Zealand's environment. Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. 2004. ISBN 1877274518.
The Canterbury region dairy report for the 2008/09 season. Report No R09/103. Ecan. December 2009. ISBN 978-1-877542-53-4.
Lennox, James A; Andrew, Robbie (undated). "Reforming water use rights in Canterbury: a shared responsibilities perspective". International Input-Output Association.
[edit] External links
Water quality and quantity page at the Environment Canterbury
Canterbury Water Management Strategy
Waterways, wetlands and drainage guide at the Christchurch City Council
Water Rights Trust
Our Water Our Vote lobby group
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
The Canterbury Region is in the South Island of New Zealand.
Water pollution in Canterbury in New Zealand has become a notable environmental issue due in a large part to the burgeoning dairy industry.
Water resources are under the jurisdiction of the Canterbury Regional Council (Ecan) under the Resource Management Act (RMA), and water abstraction and use for irrigation requires a resource consent. There is opposition to new irrigation schemes since they are seen to exacerbate water pollution.
The municipal water supply for Christchurch, sourced from the aquifers beneath the city, is untreated. This is unusual for a city of its size.
Contents
[hide]
1 Background
2 Issues
3 Mitigation
4 Prosecutions
5 See also
6 References
7 Further reading
8 External links
[edit] Background
Due to the rain shadow effect of the Southern Alps the rainfall in Canterbury is lower than many other parts of the country at 500–700 mm per year.[1] Water from melting snow and ice and from rainfall drain into the predominantly braided rivers on the Canterbury Plains. The rivers recharge the aquifers beneath the plains.
The Canterbury Region was traditionally arable and livestock farming but there have been a large number of dairy conversions in the region. In recent years there has been a huge expansion in dairy farming throughout the South Island.[2] Dairy farming requires the intensive use of water and it is placing a high demand on water resources in the Canterbury Region.
[edit] Issues
A water pollution sign on the Waimakariri River in 2004.
The rivers and groundwater are being polluted with nitrates and E. coli and proposed irrigation schemes can increase the pollution levels. Nitrate concentrations in the groundwater are above the drinking water standards in some areas and elevated levels are widespread. Indications are showing that the concentrations are rising. Inorganic nutrients, an indication of water quality, are considered to be low but increase closer to the coast. For 2000-2001 28% of tested sites were classed as "alert" due to the presence of organic pollutants.[3]
Water pollution of the two rivers flowing through the city of Christchurch, the Avon and the Heathcote, is of concern. Untreated sewerage can flow into the rivers during times of high rainfall. The estuary where the two rivers discharge had received treated water from the sewerage treatment plant that processed the city's sewerage. However, a pipeline was constructed to discharge the water into Pegasus Bay. It became operational in 2010.[4]
The Central Plains Water scheme is a large-scale proposal for water diversion, damming, reticulation and irrigation over an area of 60,000 ha. Other proposed schemes will irrigate an addition 90,000 ha.[3] A scheme to dam the Hurunui River to create water storage for irrigation attracted large scale opposition due in part to the possibility of increased water pollution. The resource consent application for the dams were put on hold.
A large number of resource consent applications for intensive dairy farming in the Mackenzie Basin attracted opposition due in part to the potential effects on water quality.[5] The resource consents were called in under the RMA by the Minister for the Environment Nick Smith.[6]
Cheviot has been on a boil water notice since October 2004.[7]
Dunsandel had an untreated water supply but in 2009 E. coli was found in the 70 metre deep well that supplies the town. Effluent from dairy cows is suspected to be the cause of the pollution.[8]
[edit] Mitigation
The Dairying and Clean Streams Accord was set up by Fonterra and a number of government agencies as a means of reducing nonpoint source pollution. The Accord is criticised for not achieving its goals.[9]
[edit] Prosecutions
In recent years prosecutions have been made for causing water pollution:
2009 - Philip Curry was fined $5,000 after pleading guilty to discharging effluent onto land that may have resulted in contaminants entering nearby Barry's Bay Stream.[10]
2009 - Corlette Holdings was fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to two charges of discharging effluent from an irrigator resulted in ponding and a second charge of effluent being discharged, which may have resulted in contaminated water.[11]
2010 - A prosecution against Brook Farms and Mosbro Farms in Ashburton was withdrawn after they agreed to mitigate the effects of the effluent discharge.[12]
[edit] See also
Canterbury Water Management Strategy
Water pollution in New Zealand
Water in New Zealand
Environment of New Zealand
Agriculture in New Zealand
[edit] References
^ State of the Climate 2010: A snapshot of recent climate in New Zealand, NIWA Science & Technology Series No. 56, NIWA, 2010, ISSN 1173-0382
^ "Agricultural Production Statistics". Statistics New Zealand. June 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ a b PCE (October 2004). Growing for good: Intensive farming, sustainability and New Zealand's environment. Wellington: Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. p. 46. ISBN 1-877274-51-8. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ "Ocean Outfall opens". Christchurch City Council. 24 Mar 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ Williams, David (2009-05-30). "MacKenzies Basin 'water grab' opposed". The Press. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
^ "Minister calls in Mackenzie Basin dairy discharge consents". Beehive. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ "Community and Public Health - Summary Report to CPH&DSAC". Canterbury District Health Board. 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
^ Macfie, Rebecca (May 1–7, 2010). "Moo-dunnit?". Listener Vol 223 No 3651. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ *Neil Deans, Kevin Hackwell (October 2008). "Dairying and Declining Water Quality". Fish & Game New Zealand, Forest & Bird.
^ "Banks Peninsula dairy farmer fined for effluent discharge". Ecan. 17 April 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ "Canterbury dairy farm fined for effluent discharge.". Ecan. 17 March 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
^ "Prosecution withdrawn for dairy shed effluent discharge". Ecan. 31 March 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
[edit] Further reading
Mahon, Sam (2006). The Water Thieves. Dunedin, NZ: Longacre Press. ISBN 1-877361-51-8.
Rodgers, Murray (2009). Canterbury's Wicked Water: Politics, Progress and Prosperity Imperilled. Christchurch, N.Z: CWW Solutions. ISBN 9780473150853.
Growing for good: Intensive farming, sustainability and New Zealand's environment. Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. 2004. ISBN 1877274518.
The Canterbury region dairy report for the 2008/09 season. Report No R09/103. Ecan. December 2009. ISBN 978-1-877542-53-4.
Lennox, James A; Andrew, Robbie (undated). "Reforming water use rights in Canterbury: a shared responsibilities perspective". International Input-Output Association.
[edit] External links
Water quality and quantity page at the Environment Canterbury
Canterbury Water Management Strategy
Waterways, wetlands and drainage guide at the Christchurch City Council
Water Rights Trust
Our Water Our Vote lobby group
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
One good reason to maintain water quality of our lowland waterways
When properly managed lowland waterways have the potential for trophy sized brown trout- Canterbury's Selwyn River once had a world class brown trout fishery. We must be aware of the recreational potential of properly managed waterways.
NZ's pure water 'gone forever'
New Zealand's fresh water can never be as clean and pure as it once was, but action must be taken to improve the quality of rivers, lakes and wetlands, the parliamentary commissioner for the environment says.
In a new report for MPs on water quality, released today, commissioner Jan Wright says "clear, clean, cool streams, full of life" still flowed through forests in remote parts of the country.
"It is not realistic to return all our fresh water to this pristine state. But nor can we afford not to act."
Freshwater quality was the subject of high public concern and vigorous debate and one of the biggest environmental challenges facing New Zealand, Dr Wright said.
The report mentions a 2009 Dominion Post front page naming the Manawatu River "Our river of shame" and reporting that it was rated among the most polluted in the Western World by some criteria. Consequently, a case study in the report ruled it out as the most polluted, but confirmed "the Manawatu River is very unhealthy".
"Other indicators of river health such as nutrient concentrations, water clarity, faecal bacteria and stream invertebrates also indicate the poor status of the Manawatu River."
Dr Wright's report, which aims to support informed debate and decision-making, considers the historical context of land use changes and water-quality issues.
It highlights the three main pollutants affecting fresh water: water-borne diseases, sediment and excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Pathogens make people and animals sick, sediment makes water murky and stony riverbeds muddy, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus cause rampant weed growth, algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
There had been much progress in controlling pollutants that had entered water in recent years, she said.
Public concern about the state of New Zealand's rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and estuaries had grown in the past decade and practices that were acceptable in the past would be inconceivable now.
However, there was still much that could be done.
Erosion-prone land in the hills could be planted with poplars that would develop extensive root systems to hold soil. The clearance of any remaining native vegetation in gullies should stop.
Bigger storage tanks should be built so town wastewater was not emptied into rivers when flows were low, or it could be sprayed on to land to fertilise forests.
Ad Feedback
Stock should be restricted from direct access to water, particularly cattle, and riparian strips of grass should be planted to limit phosphorus entering the water, Dr Wright said.
Comment: An understanding of water science is essential
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/6602257/NZs-pure-water-gone-forever
In a new report for MPs on water quality, released today, commissioner Jan Wright says "clear, clean, cool streams, full of life" still flowed through forests in remote parts of the country.
"It is not realistic to return all our fresh water to this pristine state. But nor can we afford not to act."
Freshwater quality was the subject of high public concern and vigorous debate and one of the biggest environmental challenges facing New Zealand, Dr Wright said.
The report mentions a 2009 Dominion Post front page naming the Manawatu River "Our river of shame" and reporting that it was rated among the most polluted in the Western World by some criteria. Consequently, a case study in the report ruled it out as the most polluted, but confirmed "the Manawatu River is very unhealthy".
"Other indicators of river health such as nutrient concentrations, water clarity, faecal bacteria and stream invertebrates also indicate the poor status of the Manawatu River."
Dr Wright's report, which aims to support informed debate and decision-making, considers the historical context of land use changes and water-quality issues.
It highlights the three main pollutants affecting fresh water: water-borne diseases, sediment and excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Pathogens make people and animals sick, sediment makes water murky and stony riverbeds muddy, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus cause rampant weed growth, algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
There had been much progress in controlling pollutants that had entered water in recent years, she said.
Public concern about the state of New Zealand's rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and estuaries had grown in the past decade and practices that were acceptable in the past would be inconceivable now.
However, there was still much that could be done.
Erosion-prone land in the hills could be planted with poplars that would develop extensive root systems to hold soil. The clearance of any remaining native vegetation in gullies should stop.
Bigger storage tanks should be built so town wastewater was not emptied into rivers when flows were low, or it could be sprayed on to land to fertilise forests.
Ad Feedback
Stock should be restricted from direct access to water, particularly cattle, and riparian strips of grass should be planted to limit phosphorus entering the water, Dr Wright said.
Comment: An understanding of water science is essential
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/6602257/NZs-pure-water-gone-forever
Monday, March 19, 2012
Harts Creek - a success story
The restoration of Harts Creek and it's riparian zone is an outstanding regional success. The endemic scaup( a diving duck) find suitable breeding habitat along the rivers lower reaches.
Halswell River
Unacceptable riparian bank works- note no buffer and high sediment loadin river- a photo from 2008 taken atTai Tapu
Govt funds for multi-million freshwater clean-up
Govt funds for multi-million freshwater clean-up
Saturday, 3 March 2012, 2:58 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister
3 March 2012 Media Statement
Govt funds for multi-million freshwater clean-up
The Government is contributing nearly $8 million towards the clean-up of four of New Zealand’s most badly polluted rivers, lagoons and wetlands, Prime Minister John Key announced today.
“The Manawatu River, Wainono Lagoon in South Canterbury, the Wairarapa Moana wetlands and the Waituna Lagoon in Southland will benefit from the Fresh Start for Fresh Water Fund. The fund is provided out of an additional $15 million set aside in Budget 2011 to contribute to community efforts to tackle pollution originating from poor historic management,” Mr Key says.
The Manawatu River will receive $5.2 million from the fund, Wairarapa Moana $1 million, the Wainono Lagoon $800,000 and the Waituna Lagoon $780,000. The remainder of the funds for the clean-up projects will come from regional councils and other interested parties.
“I am pleased councils and communities are working hand-in-hand with the Government to be part of enduring solutions for the benefit of future generations.
“The clean-up of these nationally-significant freshwater bodies requires a major investment beyond the capacity of local councils or communities to meet on their own.
“These additional four projects build
Saturday, 3 March 2012, 2:58 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister
3 March 2012 Media Statement
Govt funds for multi-million freshwater clean-up
The Government is contributing nearly $8 million towards the clean-up of four of New Zealand’s most badly polluted rivers, lagoons and wetlands, Prime Minister John Key announced today.
“The Manawatu River, Wainono Lagoon in South Canterbury, the Wairarapa Moana wetlands and the Waituna Lagoon in Southland will benefit from the Fresh Start for Fresh Water Fund. The fund is provided out of an additional $15 million set aside in Budget 2011 to contribute to community efforts to tackle pollution originating from poor historic management,” Mr Key says.
The Manawatu River will receive $5.2 million from the fund, Wairarapa Moana $1 million, the Wainono Lagoon $800,000 and the Waituna Lagoon $780,000. The remainder of the funds for the clean-up projects will come from regional councils and other interested parties.
“I am pleased councils and communities are working hand-in-hand with the Government to be part of enduring solutions for the benefit of future generations.
“The clean-up of these nationally-significant freshwater bodies requires a major investment beyond the capacity of local councils or communities to meet on their own.
“These additional four projects build
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