Submissions open on TTR marine consent application

21 November 2013

The Environmental Protection Authority is calling for submissions on an application by Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd for a marine consent to undertake an iron sand mining project in the South Taranaki Bight.

The application by Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) Ltd was publicly notified today by the EPA. This is the first marine consent application to be notified under the new Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) legislation which came into force in June this year.

TTR is seeking to excavate up to 50 million tonnes annually (approximately 27 million cubic metres) of seabed material containing iron sand for a term of 20 years. The proposal area covers 65.76 square kilometres of seabed between 22 to 36 kilometres offshore of Patea in water depths ranging from 19 to 42 metres.

The EPA is responsible under the EEZ legislation for receiving and deciding on applications for marine consents. Chief Executive Rob Forlong says the EPA is fully aware of its important responsibility to contribute to the sustainable management of the natural resources of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

“We have spent the past year building our capacity to manage our EEZ responsibilities by drawing on the extensive expertise of similar overseas regulators and acquiring expert staff and decision-makers. We are already well-versed in managing and deciding issues related to environmental effects and risk through our resource management and hazardous substance functions.”

Mr Forlong says the EPA Board has appointed a committee of independent experts to consider the application. The committee will be chaired by Greg Hill, an independent hearings commissioner and resource management policy specialist/planner. The other members are Gillian Wratt (EPA Board representative), Brett Rogers, William Kapea and Stephen Christensen.

The decision-making committee will consider all submissions made by the public on the application and provide opportunities for people to speak to their submissions at public hearings. “This will be an open and transparent process – all the application documents are available on our website and we will provide regular updates on the process.”

Mr Forlong says public submissions are an important way for decision makers to gather information to help them make the difficult decisions that come with a publicly notified consent application process. “At the EPA we have a duty to ensure that the decision-making process is fair, impartial and thorough.

“In order to make the best decision, the committee needs to be aware of as much relevant information as possible. We want to hear how a proposal might affect people, communities and the environment. We’re looking for information that may affect the outcome of a decision, or on what conditions could be imposed if an application was approved.”

Submissions on the application must be received by 5pm on 19 December 2013. Full details about the application, the decision-making committee and how to make a submission are on the EPA website: http://www.epa.govt.nz/EEZ/trans_tasman/Pages/default.aspx

ends

© Scoop Media