WRC (Waikato Regional Council) flood protection scheme.. 2019-2020

Kia ora,

The Waikato Regional Council is tasked to manage and maintain the flood protection scheme on the Tongariro River. I have attached the proposed Annual Works Programme (AWP) for the upcoming season. The purpose of this document is to highlight proposed works and outline how they could be managed. We would really like to hear your thoughts on the programme.

The AWP is confined to the flood protection reach of the Lower Tongariro. However, we would also like to know what it is about the Tongariro Catchment that is of significance to you. This may be cultural, spiritual, natural, historical, personal, recreational and economical connections. We value feedback from the people who know the river best, and any comment will help all of us achieve common goals.

Please circulate this request and AWP to appropriate stakeholders, but I ask, refrane from publishing this document until the consultation process has concluded and a finalised programme is distributed.

Nga mihi,

James Linehan | River Management Officer – Upper Waikato/Taupo Area

Waikato Regional Council
P: +647213 2611
M: +6421241 6536

E: James.linehan@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240

Allan Kirk | Zone Manager – Upper Waikato/Taupo Area

Waikato Regional Council

P: +6472132613

M: +6421913250

E: Allan.Kirk@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240

James Linehan​ | RIVER MANAGEMENT OFFICER | Upper Waikato/Taupo Area, Integrated Catchment ManagementWAIKATO REGIONAL COUNCIL | Te Kaunihera ā Rohe o WaikatoTake a look at the work we doP: +6472132611M: +64212416536F: facebook.com/waikatoregionPrivate Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton, 3240

Annual Works Programme

IMPORTANT QUALIFICATION: TRM have been unable to copy the full report with the critical images etc. This is quite clearly intentional blocking strategy by WRC and not a reflection of the limitations of computer skills by the doddery old fool trying to paste and copy. Most of the 22 page report follows. It may not make full sense without the plans etc. but it is important to anglers and all other river users. If you have any objections then send them to WRC with cc to DOC and TRM – who are not responsible for the ongoing destruction of the brown trout nursery in the braids etc. OK! At least we tried to inform you…

Introduction
Waikato Regional Council maintains and operates a flood protection scheme on the Tongariro River. The scheme is designed to protect the Turangi community from a 1 in 100-year event. Continued monitoring and maintenance of assets, floodway and main channels is required to ensure the scheme operates to design standards.

Consultation
In 2011, comprehensive resource consents were granted to the Waikato Regional Council’s

Integrated Catchment Management Directorate (ICM) for the management of the river floodway and flood protection scheme.

Consent conditions 37 – 39 require the distribution of a proposed Annual Works Programme (AWP) to allow consultation and input from the following parties,

  •   Department of Conservation,
  •   Tongariro and Lake Taupo Anglers Club Inc,
  •   Advocates for the Tongariro River,
  •   Taupo Fishery Advisory Committee,
  •   Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board,
  •   Ngati Turangitukua,
  •   Genesis Energy, and,
  •   Waipapa and Tokaanu Maori Lands Trust. The purpose of this AWP is to:
  •   Highlight proposed works,
  •   Outline how they will be managed in accordance with best practice and within the conditions of the consent,
  •   Allow parties to consider whether the proposed works will impact on sites and/or species of significance, and
  •   Encourage comment on potential impacts and appropriate solutions. Scheme Overview
    The Tongariro flood protection scheme is comprised of:
    •   Flood protection assets: The management focus is to maintain structural integrity and design freeboard height.
    •   River channel and floodway: The management focus is to maintain channel stability flood scheme capacity and river health.
RC # Activity authorised
121305 Erosion control/flood protection works: gravel extraction up to 150,000cum/year, erosion control works and vegetation removal, temporary diversion bunds and culvert crossings.
121306 Divert water and temporarily dam and divert water within the Tongariro River.

Figure 1: Tongariro River Flood Control Scheme

AS THIS IMAGE OF THE TOWN POOLS AND LOWER RIVER WOULD NOT COPY, ANGLERS NEED TO USE THE ATTACHMENT TO VIEW THE DETAILS OF THE WORKS PROGRAMME

Tongariro-Flood-Protection-Scheme-Proposed-Annual-Works-Programme-2019-2020-dragged-2-1Download

Scheme Assessment

This assessment relates primarily to the flood scheme reach, and does not extend further upstream or downstream. This assessment was undertaken by the Taupo Zone River Management Officer, Taupo Zone Manager, ICM’s Principal Technical Advisor, and Tonkin and Taylor Consultants’ Senior Environmental Engineer.

Tongariro River Reach (Hydro Pool to State Highway 1 Bridge)
This reach of the river starts upstream of the Kutai Street/Tahawai Street stop bank. The river bank along the Tahawai Street stop bank is protected by a rock revetment. A prominent deep river channel runs hard against the rock protection and a shallow narrow channel flanks the right of a central gravel island.

The team’s observations included the following:

  •   Channel widening works have helped to direct flow into the right, however, the majority of the flow is continuing to be directed into the left channel, which potentially could undermine the rock revetment along the left bank.
  •   The channel along the right side of the island is getting infilled with gravel during high flows. It is recommended that the true right channel be re-established by firstly removing any vegetation and then shifting or removing gravel to re-form the right channel. Further downstream from Tahawai Street to Taupahi Reserve, the river channel is generally confined and stable. The team’s observations included the following:
  •   No river bank erosion was evident.
  •   Gravel transport is not affecting the flood scheme capacity.
  •   Juvenile invasive woody vegetation growth is beginning to become established. It is recommended to manage woody vegetation within the floodway. Downstream of Taupahi Reserve to SH 1 Bridge, the channel is wide with significant gravel islands. Mature trees, indigenous and exotic, have established. Severe flood flows can dislodge mature trees and build up a debris barrier under SH1 Bridge. This situation occurred during 2004 flood causing the bridge to be closed due to risk of failure. The team’s observations included the following:
  •   Significant vegetation growth on the islands upstream of the bridge.
  •   Gravel and boulder accumulation forming diversions within the floodway. It is recommended that vegetation is controlled through a staged management programme. The team has also made the following general observation along the whole reach:

 Vegetation has established within the rock protection that protect areas of the true left bank. This vegetation is a threat to the structural integrity.

It is recommended that vegetation is controlled through a staged management programme.

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Tongariro River Reach (State Highway 1 Bridge to De Latours Pool) This reach is an actively building fan dominated by greywacke gravels with some “volcanic” stones from Tongariro. The gravels are flushed downstream during freshes and generally move to below the SH1 Bridge. Splitting and reforming of channels in this reach is a function of gravel build up.

The team’s observations included the following:
 The river channel section extending approximately 200 m from a point immediately downstream of SH1 Bridge has remained stable over the last 12 months.

The river channel section extending between Te Herekiekie Street and downstream end of the Tongaririo Lodge stop bank is significantly wide with a large central island. The island is heavily vegetated in the middle and has a channel flanking each side. Over the last 3 years, the true left channel has been actively deepening and widening causing significant erosion of the left bank.

The team’s observation included the following:

  •   Continued gravel island build-up.
  •   Established vegetation promoting gravel deposition and contributing to opposite bank erosion.
  •   Significant erosion of Kohineheke Reserve river bank.
  •   Increased channel instability.
  •   Increased flooding of adjacent land. It is recommended that channel stability and flood scheme capacity is restored through a gravel management and vegetation management programme.

Proposed Works 2019-2020

Nature of Proposed Works
General asset maintenance, gravel management and management of woody vegetation on assets and within the floodway.

General Asset Maintenance
Includes but is not limited to removal of emerging vegetation, topping up to maintain design freeboard, replacement of damaged components, and mowing of stop banks.

Vegetation Management
There is a requirement for ongoing management of woody species on assets and within the floodway. Recent and increased growth throughout the floodway is contributing to:

  •   Decreased capacity through combined mass.
  •   Promoting gravel island build up, decreasing capacity and increasing channel instability.
  •   Reduced native/natural ecosystem and habitat.
  •   Limiting recreational opportunity.
  •   Increasing debris build-up potential during/after high flow events. It is important that vegetation is managed annually to ensure invasive species do not become dominant and uncontrollable. Vegetation management objectives within the floodway align well with other stakeholder aspirations and a collaborative approach will be sought. Priorities (refer to Figure 2)
    Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 9
    Move through with a team using knapsacks and chainsaws. The team would spray juvenile woody vegetation that has the potential to grow into an issue. Sprayed juvenile plants die in place shrinking down significantly in size (reducing risk of in-stream debris during flood). The spot spraying approach, fast constant freshwater of the Tongariro and the location of invasive vegetation on the built up islands greatly reduces the chance of off target environmental effects. Vegetation overhanging water will be cut rather than sprayed. In places where there is 4×4 access vegetation can be removed from the system. Target species include broom, buddleia, willow and wildling pine. Site 5
    Decrease potential for failure by removing mature vegetation growing within the rockwall. High risk (safety) sites will be left and vegetation growing at the top next to the path will be left. A team will store green waste at designated spots next to (not on) the river trail track. A 4×4 with trailer will move through to pick up the material and take to the dump or can be mulched and ringed up at Te Aho Reserve, for locals. Access would not be restricted but signs explaining works and cones excluding workers will be in place. Site 6
    There is a mature forest on this island. The focus is to open up a strip along the left edge of the island (facing downstream). This will be done by cutting and pasting vegetation within 1-2 metres of the water’s edge. This will give that reach more capacity (reducing pressure on the rockwall) and reduce the risk of high flows ripping out edge vegetation.
Tongariro-Flood-Protection-Scheme-Proposed-Annual-Works-Programme-2019-2020-draggedDownload

Figure 2: Tongariro River Flood Control Scheme Vegetation Management Locations

AS THIS IMAGE OF THE TOWN POOLS AND LOWER RIVER WOULD NOT COPY, ANGLERS NEED TO USE THE ATTACHMENT TO VIEW THE DETAILS OF THE WORKS PROGRAMME

Gravel Management

Lower Tongariro, large island adjacent to Kohineheke Reserve

Feedback following the 2018-2019 Annual Works Plan, public meetings and stakeholder site visits highlighted community concern for accelerated erosion along the true left and flooding along the true right during high flow events. These continuing issues are concerning and reflect the necessity to progress solutions.

The issues are a result of build-up of gravel in this reach, confirmed by the recent externally assessed scheme review. The review highlighted that the freeboard of flood scheme assets in this zone are at a level where immediate gravel extraction is required so that the scheme can hold a design level flood event. It is estimated that between 60,000-80,000 cubic metres of gravel needs to be removed from the system to achieve this.

Concerns raised during consultation included loss of cultural significance of the main section of the braided island, changes to the hydrology of this reach and potential impacts on the fishery and ecosystem.

The below plan aims to address these concerns while maintaining the objective.

The focus is to extract gravel from the highlighted areas down to annual average flow level (Figure 3). This will increase water holding capacity, without affecting the hydrology of the river. Increased capacity in this reach will reduce the chance of flood and erosion to both sides. Machines and trucks will enter the island by a causeway over the true right channel (access from Grace Rd to avoid Turangi Township), see Figure 5.

Figure 3: Proposed Gravel Management Site.

AS THIS IMAGE WOULD NOT COPY, ANGLERS NEED TO USE THE ATTACHMENT TO VIEW THE DETAILS OF THE WORKS PROGRAMME

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+ reduce erosion potential to

true right bank

Kohineheke Reserve

Figure 4: Lower Tongariro River Digital Elevation Model highlighting built up areas.

. AS THIS IMAGE WOULD NOT COPY, ANGLERS NEED TO USE THE ATTACHMENT TO VIEW THE DETAILS OF THE WORKS PROGRAMME

Figure 5: Example causeway to access gravel island. A causeway is considered low impact. Machinery can enter/exit avoiding disturbance

of the bed and fish passage is maintained.

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Tahawai St Revetment

Flows through the constricted true left channel are putting pressure on the Tahawai St Revetment, especially during high flow events. In places the base of the revetment is showing early signs of slumping and re-settling due to undercutting (Figure 6). Widening of the true right channel is needed to relieve pressure continuing to build within the true left channel and ensure the stability of the revetment.

Tongariro-Flood-Protection-Scheme-Proposed-Annual-Works-Programme-2019-2020-dragged-4Download

Figure 6: Proposed works adjacent Tahawai St Revetment. Red: Gravel management Zone. Green: Vegetation Management. Yellow: Area of concern.

12 AS THIS IMAGE WOULD NOT COPY, ANGLERS NEED TO USE THE ATTACHMENT TO VIEW THE DETAILS OF THE WORKS PROGRAMME

Emergency Works
Emergency works a r e undertaken in accordance with Section 330 of the Resource

Management Act 1991 in response to a sudden event causing or likely to cause loss of life, injury, or serious damage to property. Emergency works are not subject to the provisions of these consents (RC 121306, 121305).

In this case of an emergency (such as imminent flooding) every effort will be taken to notify representatives from the concerned parties in accordance with the internal protocol developed for when Section 330 RMA is invoked.

Timing of Works
The Tongariro River is a nationally significant trout fishery and hosts a range of indigenous fish

species. As such the timing of in-stream works are limited to the months outside of May to October. This ensures work falls outside of the main trout and indigenous fish spawning season.

Although trout fishing is popular all year, fishing activity generally falls over the warmer summer months. For this reason works will be scheduled for middle to late summer. This will also coincide with low flows. Representatives from DoC will be consulted at various stages prior to the works commencing to ensure the best possible outcomes in the event of late spawning runs or other such natural events. Continued Whio (blue duck) population increase gives rise to an appreciation for nesting timing, and known nesting sites. Continued consultation with DoC and local experts will be maintained to minimise any disturbance.

Monitoring and Mitigation

To perform best practice and adhere to consent conditions (referenced in brackets) the following mitigation strategies will be included applied at each work site:

  •   Site notices will be erected five days prior to works (c 7)
  •   Public access will not be unduly restricted (c 8)
  •   Hours of operation are restricted to Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm max. (c 11)
  •   Machinery will be cleaned prior to entering work sites (c 14)
  •   Machinery will be operated in accordance with best practice (c 17)
  •   A spill prevention plan will be identified and addressed (c 18-20)
  •   Best practice for sediment control will be applied (c 22-30)
  •   Notification and work plans will be circulated (c 37-39) Other mitigation strategies include:
  •   Threatened species and archaeological remains discovery processes will be discussed before each job site commences work.
  •   Mitigation and enhancement measures for fish habitat will be discussed and implemented where possible.

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Consent Compliance Monitoring
A resource consent compliance monitoring regime has been developed in consultation with the

Resource Use Directorate (RUD). The ICM Environmental Compliance team will be implementing this process.

All relevant resource consent conditions will be monitored and assessed. A Compliance Audit Report will be drafted, and reviewed by RUD prior to approval. This report will identify any areas of non-compliance and identify any remedial actions undertaken to rectify this non- compliance.

A representative number of sites will be selected for monitoring, based on the scale, location and sensitivity of the proposed sites.

Dust
Should dust become an issue which may result in an objectionable or offensive effect beyond the work site boundary, works shall cease until appropriate dust suppression measures are put in place. These measures may include the use of water carts or irrigation on the exposed areas, and slowing or minimising vehicle movement.

Hazardous Substance Spillages
All machinery will be refuelled, serviced and maintained in manner to ensure spillages of

contaminants are prevented, and in a location that, should a spill occur, it will not enter a waterway.

Spill prevention and response activities will be undertaken in accordance with ICM’s Oil Spill Contingency Guidelines.

In addition, a contingency plan will be submitted to ensure:

  •   Equipment on site can deal with a containment spill,
  •   Procedures are in place in the event of a containment spill,
  •   Interested and affected parties are notifiable,
  •   Refuelling locations and fuel storage areas are clearly identified. Riparian Planting
    Condition 37 (e) of the consent relates to consulting on any proposed riparian planting. Native low growing species such as Carex sp. and Toi Toi will be encouraged to establish throughout the scheme. These are largely self-sown. Ngati Turangitukua will be consulted on Waikato Regional Council led planting programmes. Fishing and Recreational Access
    Access to fishing and recreational activities will be retained wherever possible. Access will only be restricted to work sites during hours of operation, and only to the area where work is being carried out to ensure public safety.

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Fish Habitat
Trout breed in low gradient gravel-bottomed streams between late winter and early spring. The brown trout peak spawning period is slightly earlier than that for rainbow trout but both spawning periods are encompassed within the instream works restriction period under the Waikato Regional Plan section 4.2.21.

Woody vegetation removal and gravel management have the potential to impact on trout populations through habitat disturbance, habitat loss and decreases in water quality. The effects of the proposed management practices are expected to be short term and minimal. Known habitat preferences and distribution supported by advice from DoC and local fishing authorities will help minimise adverse effects to trout populations.

The mitigation measures outlined below will also help ensure the health of native fish species.

ACTIVITY TYPE MITIGATION HIERARCHY
Avoidance Minimisation Rehabilitation Offset
Woody vegetation removal Adhere to appropriate timing restrictions. Minimise disturbance of -wetted channel
-riffle & boulder/pool habitat -instream structures -backwaters/side channels Undertake work at a permitted activity level wherever possible. 		Undertake riparian enhancement Install instream structure Undertake riparian enhancement
Gravel management Adhere to appropriate timing restrictions. Minimise disturbance of -wetted channel
-riffle & boulder/pool habitat -instream structures -backwaters/side channels Undertake fish recovery operations for any channel diversions in significant trout habitats. 		Where applicable apply methods to improve trout habitat.
Erosion control structures Adhere to appropriate timing restrictions. Minimise disturbance of -wetted channel
-riffle & boulder/pool habitat -instream structures -backwaters/side channels

Table 1 Green measures will be implemented when value is known to be present; Red measures will be implemented at the discretion of operational staff: Blue measures will be implemented through Habitat Enhancement Plans or predetermined mitigation packages.

Threatened species discovery process
In the event that a species listed as “threatened” is discovered at a works site, the following process shall occur:

  •   All works at the site shall cease immediately.
  •   Notify the ICM Environmental Compliance team (Senior Environmental Officer or Environmental Officer – in their absence notify the Team Leader Regional Hazards and Environmental Compliance or Manager Business and Technical Services) as soon as practicable following the discovery.

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  •   Within 24 hours of the discovery, the ICM Environmental Officer (or delegate) shall inform the RUD and the Department of Conservation.
  •   Works shall only re-commence once approval has been obtained by RUD following their consultation with the Department of Conservation.
  • Archaeological remains discovery process
  • In the event that archaeological remains are discovered at the works site, the following process shall occur (in accordance with condition 40) and the ICM Accidental Archaeological Discovery Protocol. The following procedure must be followed by the person responsible for the site (e.g. the ICM Works Supervisor/Project Manager/Contractor):  Immediately cease all earth moving work and shut down earth disturbing machinery within 10 metres of any part of the discovery. Stay away from the area to avoid any further disturbance.  Secure the immediate vicinity of the discovery to restrict access and ensure remains are left undisturbed (e.g. by installing a temporary mesh fence).  As soon as practicable, and within six hours of the discovery, inform:

o The Director and/or a Section Manager of the ICM Directorate; o TheICMEnvironmentalComplianceteam.

Provide them with as much information as possible about the site and what has been

uncovered or found on the site.

 As soon as practicable, and within 24 hours of the discovery, ICM shall inform: o The appropriate Mana Whenua representative;
o The Director and/or a Section Manager of RUD;
o Heritage New Zealand – infonorthern@heritage.org.nz, 09 307 9920; o TherelevantTerritorialAuthority;

o NZ Police if the discovery is of potential human remains.
 ICM shall assist with any investigation as required, and proffer a site inspection for initial

assessment and response with RUD and all other parties that have expressed an interest

in attending.
 If the accidental discovery is of potential human remains the remainder of the process does not apply until the NZ Police confirm they have no further interest.
 Following the site inspection and consultation between all parties, RUD and Heritage NZ will determine the statutory requirements and Mana Whenua will determine cultural requirements.

 Works may only recommence within the area of the discovery upon the written approval of the Resource Use Directorate, after considering the following matters:

o Mana Whenua interests and values;
o Protocols agreed upon by Mana Whenua and ICM;
o ICM’sinterests;
o AnyHeritageNewZealandauthorisations;
o Any archaeological or scientific evidence; and
o The assessment of the discovery by a registered archaeologist.

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Appendix 1: Resource consent conditions Resource Consent

Numbers 121305 and 121306

  1. The activities authorised by this consent shall be undertaken in general accordance with the documents titled “Land Use & Water Resource Consent Application and Assessment of Environmental Effects for the Tongariro River Gravel Management – Revised October 2010”, Sherie McHardy, Taupo Planning Consultant & Design Services except as otherwise identified in the following resource consent conditions.
  2. A copy of this resource consent shall be kept onsite at all times that physical works authorised by this consent are being undertaken, and shall be produced without unreasonable delay upon request from a servant or agent of the Waikato Regional Council.
  3. The Consent Holder shall notify the Waikato Regional Council in writing of the commencement of activities authorised by this consent, at least 5 days prior to discrete sections of work authorised by this consent commencing.
  4. The Consent Holder shall appoint a representative(s) prior to the exercise of this resource consent, who shall be the Waikato Regional Council’s principal contact person(s) in regard to matters relating to this resource consent. The Consent Holder shall inform the Waikato Regional Council of the representative’s name and how they can be contacted at least 1 working day prior to the commencement of the works authorised by this resource consent. Should the representative(s) change during the term of this resource consent, the Consent Holder shall immediately inform the Waikato Regional Council and shall also give written notice to the Waikato Regional Council of the new representative’s name and contact details.
  5. The Consent Holder shall arrange and conduct a pre-works site meeting each year that works are proposed and invite, with a minimum of 10 working days notice, the parties listed in condition 38, the Waikato Regional Council Resource Use Group, the site representative(s) appointed under condition 4 of this consent, the contractor if known, and any other party representing the consent holder, prior to commencing the consultative phase of each Proposed Annual Works Programme detailed in condition 37 below. Advice Note: In the case that any of the invited parties, other than the site representative does not attend this meeting, the consent holder will have complied with this condition, provided the invitation requirement is met.
  6. The Consent Holder shall be responsible for all contracted operations related to the exercise of this resource consent, and shall ensure contractors are made aware of the conditions of this resource consent relevant to their work area, and comply with those conditions. Notices
  7. The Consent Holder shall erect and maintain notices upstream and downstream of each section of the works not less than 5 working days prior to the commencement of the works. These notices shall provide appropriate warning of:
    1. a)  the proposed works;
    2. b)  any relevant safety advice;

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c) the period over which these works will be occurring.

Access to Tongariro River

  1. The Consent Holder shall, in respect of the works authorised by this resource consent, maintain any existing public access at any location where works authorised by this consent are carried out except where the public are required to be excluded for safety purposes. In the latter situation, every effort must be made to ensure that through or by-pass access to up or down river locations is either available or provided. Timing of works
  2. Works authorised by this consent shall not be undertaken in the wet river channel during the months May to October inclusive each year, except where:
    1. a)  flood flows have resulted in stopbank freeboard loss and the remaining freeboard in the reach upstream of the bridge being less than 150mm and/or the remaining freeboard in the reach downstream of the bridge being less than 400mm; or,
    2. b)  there is a reduction in a cross sectional area which is more than the product of 0.30 times the design width at the design flood level, or
    3. c)  erosion control works to maintain the integrity of the Tongariro River Flood Control Scheme are required.
  3. The Consent Holder shall provide survey information to the Waikato Regional Council confirming the trigger levels set in 9a or 9b above have been met prior to undertaking works provided by condition 9.
  4. Works may be undertaken up to a maximum of 10 hours per day during the period 8am to 6pm; and, up to six days per week Monday to Saturday. No works shall be undertaken on a Sunday or a Public Holiday.
  5. The Department of Conservation shall be notified prior to any works occurring during the months of May to October.
  6. The Consent Holder shall check daily and weekly weather forecasts. In the event of a rain forecast which could result in flood flows which may, in conjunction with undertaking the works authorised by this consent, adversely affect the Tongariro River environment, the works shall be postponed, or be suspended if already commenced, and all machinery shall be removed from the river bed and flood plain until the identified flood risk has passed. Machinery maintenance and hazardous substances spill prevention and response plan
  7. The Consent Holder shall ensure that all machinery used in the exercising of this consent is cleaned prior to being transported to the construction site to ensure that all seed and/or plant matter has been removed.
  8. All machinery, including bulldozers, loaders, diggers and trucks, shall be operated in a manner so as to minimise time spent in flowing water.
  9. No river-bed material extraction shall be undertaken in flowing water.
  10. The Consent Holder shall ensure that all machinery shall be maintained and operated in a manner which ensures that spillages of fuel, oil and similar contaminants are prevented. Particular care shall be taken during refuelling and machinery servicing and maintenance. Such activities shall

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be carried out away from any water body and in such a manner that any spillage can be contained so it does not enter the Tongariro River.

  1. The Consent Holder shall provide the Waikato Regional Council with a “Spill Prevention and Response Plan” at least 20 working days prior to the commencement of activities authorised by this consent. This Plan shall be submitted to the Waikato Regional Council for their written approval, acting in a technical certification capacity. The aim of the Plan shall be to minimise the possibility of contamination of water. This Plan shall address, but not necessarily be limited to, the following matters:
    1. a)  a list of the hazardous materials and their quantities kept on site and their storage details;
    2. b)  the prevention measures that will be undertaken on site in order to avoid a spill of hazardous materials;
    3. c)  the equipment available to contain and/or remove spills of hazardous materials;
    4. d)  specific procedures and measures that will be undertaken when machinery is operating within close proximity to water bodies that are designed to minimise the risk of any spillages or significant leakages of hazardous materials entering the water body;
    5. e)  the training staff will receive in the use of hazardous materials spill prevention, containment and clean up measures and associated equipment;
    6. f)  how the disposal of any contaminated materials arising from spills or leakages of hazardous materials will be undertaken; and,
    7. g)  the procedures involved in reporting of any such incidents to the Waikato Regional Council.
  2. The Consent Holder shall in exercising this consent comply with the approved “Spill Prevention and Response Plan”. Any subsequent changes to the “Spill Prevention and Response Plan” shall

only be made with the prior written approval of the Waikato Regional Council, acting in a technical certification capacity.

  1. The Consent Holder shall notify the Waikato Regional Council and the Department of Conservation as soon as is practicable, and as a minimum requirement within 12 hours, of the Consent Holder becoming aware of a spill of hazardous materials, fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid or other similar contaminants. The Consent Holder shall, within 7 days of the incident occurring, provide a written report to the Waikato Regional Council, identifying the following:
    1. a)  the possible causes;
    2. b)  steps undertaken to remedy the effects of the incident; and,
    3. c)  any additional measures that will be undertaken to avoid future spills.
    Responsibility for erosion control works
  2. The Consent Holder shall be responsible for the provision and maintenance of any erosion control works that may be necessary as a result of the exercise of this resource consent. Sediment control and debris removal
  3. The Consent Holder shall ensure that sediment losses to natural water arising from the exercise of this resource consent are minimised for the duration of the works and during the term of this consent.
  4. Stormwater runoff from the river-bed material extraction area access road shall be controlled to such an extent that it is discharged into the ground and not discharged directly into the Tongariro River.

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  1. River-bed material shall only be removed below the adjacent River water level when the excavation site is bunded from direct surface connection with the River.
  2. Excavations below water level shall be backfilled to a level not deeper than 1m below the adjacent river channel water level using river bed material from within the site. Inlet and outlet channels shall be provided to a depth similar to that of the completed backfilled area to maximise continuous river flows through the site. A minimum buffer of 10m from the undisturbed river channels shall be left intact.
  3. Debris collected during river-bed material extraction shall be removed from the river bed and the floodplain of the river.
  4. Should the works authorised by this consent cause a conspicuous change in the visual clarity of the river after a mixing distance of 100 metres downstream from the activity, then the consent holder or its delegate shall measure the concentration of suspended solids in the river at this location and upstream from the activity and provide those measurements to the Waikato Regional Council within 10 working days.
  5. The activities authorised by this consent shall not result in any of the following standards in the Tongariro River being breached after reasonable mixing and at a point 100m downstream of the works:
    1. a)  black disc horizontal visibility less than 1.6 metres;
    2. b)  a conspicuous change in the visual clarity of the river;
    3. c)  An increase in the concentration of suspended solids above 25g/m3 after a mixing distance of 100 metres downstream from the activity except when the concentration of suspended solids in the Tongariro River above the work site is greater than 25g/m3. Then there shall not be any increase in the Tongariro River suspended solids concentration as a result of the activity.
    Flow diversion and re-contouring
  6. The Consent Holder shall, immediately after the construction of each temporary diversion bund either maintain fish passage past the bund or, in conjunction with the Department of Conservation, salvage any fish stranded in pools in the diverted section of river channel and return them to the main channel of the Tongariro River.
  7. Except as provided for by conditions 24-25, on completion of river-bed material extraction at any one location, the Consent Holder shall re-contour the surface of the extraction area back to its original form, to the satisfaction of an officer of the Waikato Regional Council’s Resource Use Group. Erosion control structures
  8. Structures and floodways in the immediate vicinity of structures shall be maintained clear of debris.
  9. Structures shall not decrease the cross sectional area of the river.
  10. All construction materials and equipment shall be removed from the river upon completion of the activity.

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34. Where the weight of the structure is insufficient to keep it in place it shall be permanently anchored to the bed of the river.

35. All structures shall be maintained in a structurally sound condition at all times.

Dust emissions

  1. All activities undertaken on site shall be conducted and managed in a manner that ensures that all dust emissions are kept to a practicable minimum. To this end there shall be no discharge of dust as a result of the activities authorised by this consent that causes an objectionable or offensive effect beyond the boundary of the property on which works are authorised by this consent. Proposed annual works programme
  2. The Consent Holder shall prepare a Proposed Annual Works Programme including (but not limited to) the following:
    1. a)  details of scheduled works and maintenance requirements authorised by this consent that are to be carried out for the 12 months commencing 1 November including a description of the nature, scale and location of the works; and
    2. b)  the proposed timing of the works; and
    3. c)  any contingency procedures that may be required for specific activities; and
    4. d)  any specific mitigation measures that will be undertaken; and
    5. e)  riparian planting proposed using eco-sourced indigenous plants;
    Any changes to the Proposed Annual Works Programme (with the exception of works required to be undertaken without delay, for example, unscheduled works in response to flood events) shall be advised in writing by the Consent Holder to the Waikato Regional Council within 10 working days of the work commencing.
  3. The Consent Holder shall distribute the Proposed Annual Works Programme required by condition 37, to the following parties on or before 30 June each year requesting comment(s) on the proposed works (if any) to be provided in writing within 20 working days of receipt:
    1. a)  Department of Conservation;
    2. b)  Tongariro and Lake Taupo Anglers Club Inc.;
    3. c)  Advocates for the Tongariro River;
    4. d)  Taupo Fishery Advisory Committee via DOC;
    5. e)  Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board; and
    6. f)  Ngati Turangitukua,
    7. g)  Genesis Energy; and,
    8. h)  Waipapa and Tokaanu Maori Lands Trust.
    Comments received by the Consent Holder from the above parties regarding the proposed works shall be copied to the Waikato Regional Council.
    Any changes to the Proposed Annual Works Programme (with the exception of works required to be undertaken without delay, for example, unscheduled works in response to flood events) shall be advised in writing to the groups listed in this condition.
  4. The Consent Holder shall address any comments from the parties listed in condition 38, and upon completion of any related changes to the Proposed Annual Works Programme, advise these parties in writing of any changes. The Consent Holder shall submit the Proposed Annual Works Programme to the Waikato Regional Council prior to 1 October annually. The Consent Holder

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shall not commence these works until the Proposed Annual Works Programme has been approved by the Waikato Regional Council acting in a technical certification capacity.

Tangata whenua values

  1. In the event that any archaeological remains are discovered, the works shall cease immediately in the vicinity of the discovery, and Tangata Whenua, the Historic Places Trust and the Waikato Regional Council shall be notified as soon as practicable and within 48 hours of a discovery. Works may recommence with the written approval of the Waikato Regional Council. Such approval shall only be given after the Waikato Regional Council has considered:
    1. a)  Tangata Whenua interests and values,
    2. b)  the Consent Holder’s interests,
    3. c)  Historic Places Trust advice, and
    4. d)  any archaeological or scientific evidence.
    Review
  2. During the April to June period each year for the term of this consent Waikato Regional Council Resource Use Group may, following service of notice on the Consent Holder, commence a review of this consent under section 128(1) of the Resource Management Act 1991, for the following purposes:
    1. a)  To review the effectiveness of the conditions of this resource consent in avoiding or mitigating any adverse effects on the environment from the exercise of this resource consent and if necessary to avoid, remedy or mitigate such effects by way of further or amended conditions; or
    2. b)  To review the adequacy of and the necessity for monitoring undertaken by the Consent Holder and specifically to review the method and frequency of record collection for the purposes of determining the most appropriate method and frequency; or
    3. c)  If necessary and appropriate, to require the holder of this resource consent to adopt the best practicable option to remove or reduce adverse effects on the environment.
    Administration
  3. The Consent Holder shall pay to the Waikato Regional Council any administrative charge fixed in accordance with section 36 of the Resource Management Act 1991, or any charge prescribed in accordance with regulations made under section 360 of the Resource Management Act.

TONGARIRO FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS

Info taken from Waikato Regional Council PDF on upcoming works.

In a nutshell the plans are:
A) Remove vegetation growing in the stop bank above the Major Jones Bridge.
Widen the channel running through the small bypass above the Major Jones Bridge. Intended Result – Stronger stop bank and more flow pushed to true right hand side of the river.

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B) Remove gravel from the highlighted spots above, all in the ‘Braids’ area of the Tongariro opposite Tongariro Lodge.
Remove / reduce vegetation on the islands in the Braids area.
Intended Result – During significant floods more water will flow through the center channels and away from either bank.

C) Remove or reduce vegetation from the island immediately above the state highway bridge.
Intended Result – Protect road bridge from potential damage caused by ‘big’ trees being washed down from the islands and potentially damaging the bridge.