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Greens concerned by dredging decision

Tuesday 21 June 2011, 2:33PM

By Green Party

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OTAGO

Dredging Otago Harbour and disposing of the soil at sea is not the way for Port Otago to move into the 21st Century, said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei today.

Port Otago's Next Generation Project has been granted resource consent to dredge Otago Harbour and dispose of the dredgings at sea.

"We should not treat the ocean as a dumping ground," said Mrs Turei.

"Many locals are concerned about their incomes, the impact of this project on wildlife and the nationally recognised Surf Break at Aramoana.

"It has been good to see the Port undertake a long process of engaging with concerned locals, but there are a lot of people who feel their concerns have not been taken on board.

"Port Otago obviously intends to monitor the potentially adverse effect on the environment from dredging," said Mrs Turei.

"My concern is how Port Otago plans to remedy any adverse environmental effects. In particular the effect the dredging could have on the nationally protected surf break at Aramoana.

"It should also be remembered that three quarters of the 200 submitters opposed the decision."