North Shore Times (New Zealand)
TODD RESPONDS TO CRITICS
Todd Property would like to respond to a recent letter to the editor and blaming sediment pollution in the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve on Todd Property earthworks. This letter was accompanied by a photo of the Awaruku Stream, showing sediment running into Long Bay.
I would like to strongly reassure the community that this is not a fair reflection of the time, hard work and investment we put into protecting the marine reserve.
None of the sediment photographed in the Awaruku Stream was generated by Todd Property, having completed our earthworks in this stream catchment some years ago.
During wet weather, sediment from farm land, cliffs, roads and established residential areas is easily mobilised.
This issue impacts waterways right across the region - not just the Awaruku Stream.
We are proud of the community we have helped to create at Long Bay and the work we have done to successfully protect the marine reserve.
Rigorous scientific testing tells us that this is the case.
Todd Property works closely with the Auckland Council, with a strict monitoring programme to ensure the effectiveness of our sediment control systems.
This monitoring programme is managed by some of New Zealand’s leading environmental consultants.
We have also worked hard to protect public open space and the unique heritage at Long Bay. In 2013, we transferred 18.9 hectares of stunning coastal headland into public ownership, and we have planted more than 310,000 shrubs and trees.
Todd Property has also significantly improved the quality of stormwater runoff from
Torbay, which was previously untreated, allowing contaminants to flow into the marine reserve.
The wetland treatment system Todd Property built, in partnership with the Auckland Council, now provides quality sediment retention.
We approach all of our developments with the same considerable degree of care for the environment.
Evan Davies
Managing director, Todd Property
SEDIMENT STIRS LOCAL
I sympathise with Mark Meredith’s concerns and photographic evidence that sediment control from the Todd Long Bay development is out of control. I believe that during Resource Consent discussions for the original development, limits of sedimentation during the development were agreed.
Does anyone know if this is fact and who is monitoring it and importantly how is it reported to the public?
The disappearance of the pipi beds on Long Bay beach may be a result of excess silt? Is anyone monitoring this aspect?
Beach siltation is also currently occurring from the Awaruku stream as the wetland retention is inadequate to prevent good flows flushing straight through.
On the original development Consent I understood that Todd agreed to provide a tree belt along the Park boundary to ensure that development houses were not visible from the Park area. Can anyone confirm this as houses are being built right up against the boundary?
B. Williams
Long Bay
HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters should not exceed 250 words and must have full name, residential address and phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply before publication. Email: nsnews@snl.co.nz Mail: North Shore Times, PO Box 79, Orewa.