Care required around water
Summer – with its lower flows and generally better weather – is when farmers often carry out works in and around waterways.
These can include stream straightening and excavating the beds of rivers and lakes to, for example, install bridges or culverts, to remove sediment build-ups or to better manage an unstable stream.
Such works can pose risks to the environment and be subject to environmental regulations.
So it’s important farmers and contractors protect the health of waterways by ensuring that any works don’t impact on bank stability, water quality and aquatic life.
Waikato Regional Council is organising a field day focussing on river management and in-stream works on March 16 at 1023 Mangaotaki Road, Piopio. It will start at 10am and will be followed by lunch.
It will be a very worthwhile opportunity to talk to the experts about the best ways to protect the environment while carrying out farm projects, which can involve a wide range of issues.
Checking the rules and getting good quality advice when planning any activity in or near a stream is essential.