Fonterra’s plans for effluent fines fall short, says Horizons
New plans by dairy giant Fonterra to lift levels of farmers’ effluent compliance have received cautious support from Horizons’ Chief Executive Michael McCartney. (Read on …)
Whangarei District Council is to check low-lying gully traps in an effort to curb stormwater infiltration which contributes to wastewater overflows into Whangarei Harbour during wet weather. (Read on …)
Comments by Green MP Dr Russel Norman stating that Environment Southland is not taking action against three farmers in separate cases involving unauthorised river and drainage works, are incorrect.
The Council’s Consents Manager, John Engel, said that one of the three well publicised cases would be called in the Environment Court next week. The other two were still under investigation by the Council’s compliance staff and a decision had yet to be made whether enforcement action will be taken against those responsible.
Any further changes to the Resource Management Act must include a review of the penalties available to regional councils investigating cases of environmental damage, Environment Southland Chief Executive Ciaran Keogh said today. (Read on …)
Over the next three years, Environment Southland plans to invest additional resources in monitoring consent compliance, encouraging (and when necessary, enforcing) pollution-free practices, and documenting investigations and site visits in accordance with the new legal requirements. (Read on …)