ORC briefs Taieri landowners on floodgates decision
Wednesday 21 July 2010, 10:21AM
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The Otago Regional Council (ORC) says its decision to lower flood control gates on the Taieri Plain in May was appropriate based on the circumstances at the time.
Upper pond ratepayers on the Taieri have criticised the council for the decision on May 26.
However, ORC director of environmental engineering and natural hazards Gavin Palmer says he is satisfied the council's actions were correct.
Dr Palmer today explained the reasons for the move to a meeting attended by 40 people at the Momona Hall.
This included outlining an amended procedure fixing 1100 cumecs as the trigger point for dropping the gates during a flood.
Dr Palmer said that in future floods, ORC staff will inform occupiers of the status of the gates, as part of improved communication with those on the flood plain.