Stormwater outlets improve dune protection

Works to improve stormwater outlets at Ohope helped to prevent dune damage and flooding after heavy rainfall earlier this year.

The Council’s projects to upgrade Ohope stormwater outlets began in 2010, after residents noticed stormwater was eroding sand dunes and damaging dune plants.

All stormwater outlets in Ohope were inspected, with nine outlets along West End Road and one on Pohutukawa Avenue extended beyond the sand dunes. The new outlets were then supported with sand pillows.

Drainage at the Anne Street car park was improved and culverts no longer in use were removed.

The Council’s Manager Community Project Barbara Dempsey said heavy rain in January and February put pressure on the upgraded outlets. There was some minor damage; however, she said it would have been much worse without the improvements.

The total cost of the project came to $45,000, plus an estimated $5,000 for repairs after the January and February floods.

New dune plants are expected to establish quickly, helping prevent erosion.

A full district stormwater assessment is currently being conducted by the Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. This project will examine the effects of run-off from the hill catchment, and how flooding in the urban areas of Ohope and Whakatane can be mitigated. For more information contact the council on 07 306 0500.