Consultation Occurring on Fractured Rock and Confined Aquifer Proposed Plan Change

Environment Southland is currently reviewing its rules around the management of fractured rock and confined aquifers to provide for a more effective mechanism for managing these groundwater resources, and we would like your feedback on what these rules should be.

A information fact sheet providing a summary of the issue and suggested changes to the rules, and the full discussion paper (including Appendix 1 and 2) that includes proposed provisions have been generated for consultation purposes.

The suggested changes for fractured rock aquifers, Chatton aquifer zone, or a source outside of the groundwater zones identified in the Water Plan will result in no change to existing consent holders. For future water users, there will be very little difference with the exception of improved clarity around how the application will be assessed.

The suggested changes for confined aquifers will result in a change in methodology for determining the sustainable yield from a confined aquifer and clarification of the level of information required in the resource consent process. For existing consent holders there will be very little change except where aquifers have been identified as being over-allocated. For future water users, there will be greater clarity around how much water is available from a confined aquifer and how the potential effects of a proposed take are assessed and managed.

If you wish to review the background technical reports on groundwater in the Southland region please go to http://www.es.govt.nz/environment/water/groundwater.

If you do not understand the suggested recommendations please contact Policy Analyst Kylie Galbraith by Tuesday 10 May 2011, if possible, so she can organise a meeting to discuss.

Attached on the information sheet is a feedback section seeking your feedback on the suggested changes. Your feedback will be used to help Council decide how to progress any changes to the Regional Water Plan.

Environment Southland will be consulting key stakeholders and the public before any changes to the Regional Water Plan are publically notified. It would be appreciated if you could return the feedback section by Friday, 27 May 2011.