MEDIA RELEASE
 

Work being done to help reduce flooding risk

For immediate release: Wednesday 25 March 2009

Work will begin next week (Monday 30 March 2009) to remove sediment in the Rangitaiki River and improve the flood protection to farmers in the Galatea area.

Environment Bay of Plenty is managing the works with funding assistance provided by Bay of Plenty Energy. The works are needed to reduce the river level near Rabbit Bridge, according to Group Manager Rivers and Drainage Ken Tarboton.

“Unfortunately over time the increased sediment in the river has raised the river bed, raising river levels and increasing the flood risk and occurrence for farmers in the region,” Mr Tarboton said.

The work involves excavating a pilot channel in the existing river channel by removing approximately 22,000 m3 of sediment.

The excavated material will be stockpiled and shaped on-site to form low-level banks and maintain access along the river margin. The work will begin Monday 30 March.

“What these works will do is provide the land-owners with some protection against flooding, particularly as winter approaches,” Mr Tarboton said.

Mr Tarboton said Environment Bay of Plenty had consulted with land owners, iwi, Fish and Game and Department of Conservation about the works, as well as the Kokopu Trust about eel migration.

He said the works were being carried out under an existing consent and Environment Bay of Plenty would continue to monitor levels in the river and in the upstream wetlands to determine the effect of the work on the river and wetland levels.

“We’re aware that the duck shooting season begins in May, so by beginning the work next week we’re hopeful that we will be finished by opening day,” Mr Tarboton said.

The works will take place at the upstream end of Lake Aniwhenua, extending past Rabbit Bridge on the Rangitaiki River.

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