Aquifer recharge consents open for consultation

Resource consents for the proposed recharge trial in the Makauri Aquifer are now open for formal submissions untilFriday 22 July.

The applications, made by Council, propose to drill up to three bores and use surface water from the Waipaoa River to inject into the Makauri Aquifer.

Water and Coastal Resources team leader Dennis Crone says the trial will determine if it’s possible to improve the declining water levels in the aquifer with minimal impact on the water quality and environment.

“We’ve completed an extensive investigation into the aquifer and potential water sources with international experts in Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR), Golders Associates.

“We propose to take water from the Waipaoa River with the use of irrigation and filtration system at Kaiaponi Farms Ltd.

“A range of water testing has been completed on the river water drawn from the Kaiaponi filtration system, including when the river is high with a lot of sediment and run-off.

“The results show the water quality is still very good compared to treated water originally proposed from the Waingake Dams.”

Test results and consultants reports are available to view now on Council’s website along with explanations, questions and answers frequently asked for by the community.

Feedback and discussion with growers, iwi, industry and the local community has been supportive of the trial and some concerns on water quality and values have been raised.

“The chances of a negative reaction or creating issues in the aquifer are very low and we’re able to put mitigations in place if these are necessary.”

Mr Crone says the applications are being processed independently by Bay of Plenty Regional Council to make sure Council has provided detailed analysis to support the application and transparency in consultation and decision-making.

Council staff will also hold two public drop-in sessions during the consultation period for anyone to come in and ask questions at 39 Gladstone Road tomorrow Wednesday 29 June between 12pm – 1.30pm and Wednesday 13 July 5.15pm – 6.30pm; or by emailing Mark.Joblin@gdc.govt.nz any time for more information.

The consent application and submission information is available from Gisborne District Council, 39 Gladstone Road during normal office hours; online at www.gdc.govt.nz/notified-resource-consents-3, or by contacting the Water Administration Section of Bay of Plenty Regional Council, phone 0800 884 880.

ENDS

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