Streams on Taieri Plain need urgent attention

Your article headed ‘‘Water quality described as ‘horrific’’’ (ODT,

17.9.18) made interesting reading about the state of our waterways, Dunedin urban streams being among the worst.

Otago regional councillor Andrew Noone, formerly the chairman of the Dunedin City Council’s infrastructure services committee for many years, was reported to have said it was ‘‘clearly not good enough’’ and the council ‘‘needed to do better’’.

The Silverstream and Owhiro Stream that run across the Taieri Plain on their way to the Taieri River collect stormwater from the Mosgiel urban and industrial areas.

It appears to be acceptable by both the city and regional councils for these to be used as open drains, continually being delivered a smorgasbord of stormwater containing all the usual urban and industrial contaminates —plus a good dose of sewerage when flooding occurs.

All this at times spills on to private property.

The infrastructure services committee of the council is responsible for the adherence to the rules of the regional plan.

Rule 12.4 in the plan, Water for Otago, covers discharge of stormwater to water.

The committee appears to have completely abdicated its responsibilities on this issue.

Brian Miller

East Taieri

Different words

THE ODT Insight feature ‘‘Marked by the Cross’’ is marred, in my view, by the repeated use of ‘‘historic’’, where ‘‘historical’’ is the appropriate word.

For example, instances of sexual abuse occurring in the 1960s are certainly historical (happened in the past) but hardly historic (famous or wellknown in history). Different words, different meanings.

These adjectives are commonly misused these days K. W. Harris

Dunedin ..................................

BIBLE READING: You must take up your cross each day and follow Me. — Luke 9:23.