Environmental protection measures are detailed in the Environment Act 2003 and may require an Environmental Impact Assessment to be completed for 'Specific Areas of Concern'; including sloping lands, and areas near to freshwater streams.

An Assessment identifies risks and involves the community in decision-making.
Assessment documents are distributed through local shops.

The proposed development will also be investigated by regulatory authorities; and permission may be refused. An Assessment must be completed, and a permit issued before any groundworks or construction can commence. 

The locations of 10 Te Mato Vai waterworks are in “areas of concern” and the proposed water treatment methods continue to be subject to public debate.

An Assessment includes detailing “proposed action to mitigate adverse environmental effects”, a “plan to monitor environmental impacts”, also the alternatives to the proposed project.

None of Te Mato Vai waterworks or the proposed treatment methods have fulfilled these requirements.

The recent letter (“Fears of waterways contamination,” Nov 22) is an example of why an Assessment is necessary.

The Project Management Unit has denied the use of “disinfection chemicals” but without a monitoring program they seem unable to measure, quantify, or investigate environmental impacts that may have occurred.

Action plans and monitoring are also needed to prevent unintended damage to the other freshwater streams.

This is the latest example of the inability of our administration to responsibly manage large-scale infrastructure development.

On behalf of the public, and in defence of our island, we call for the implementation of chemical treatment processes to cease until Assessment processes have been completed.

Anna Rasmussen
Chairperson, Te Vai Ora Maori