Regional council sounds warning over water plans

Government proposals to stop the further degradation of freshwater and restore the quality of waterways were ‘‘complex and comprehensive’’ and would have a significant impact on landowners in Taranaki, the regional council says.

Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) said major costs would be imposed on the region if the proposals were adopted to improve freshwater quality where any improvements could be unpredictable and marginal.

In response to a large number of enquiries from ratepayers on what the proposals mean, TRC published an information package to explain the implications.

The package, which was emailed to all property owners, highlighted the effects to farmers from limits to nutrients and sediments, future cost benefits to farms, the role of the farm management tool OVERSEER, and stock exclusion rules through more fencing and planting.

TRC chief executive Basil Chamberlain said the council shared the aim of the Essential Freshwater – Action for healthy waterways draft to improve water quality over future generations but the complexity of the proposals also raised many issues. ‘‘Taranaki has collectively demonstrated strong commitment to improving freshwater health, taking longterm action and spending millions of dollars,’’ he said. ‘‘Good results are becoming increasingly evident and the effort continues.’’

Council data analysis showed proposed compulsory catchment limits for phosphorus and nitrogen may not be achievable across much of the Ring Plain unless dairy farming was substantially restricted, he said.

There were also doubts the restrictions would bring environmental gains.

Proposed new limits on sediment levels also looked unachievable in eastern hill country rivers, he said.

Because the cost-benefit analyses had not been carried out by the Government, the impact of the proposals was unclear, he said. But the council’s own analysis showed possible adverse impacts on many farms, which could impact on the wider rural and urban communities.

TRC supported OVERSEER as a guide to nutrient management but not as a regulatory tool because it was inaccurate and not designed for that purpose, he said.

The proposals would see OVERSEER being relied on in farm planning to limit nutrient run-off.

Chamberlain said the region’s successful riparian management programme would be overridden by the proposals which support a ‘‘one size fits all’’ stock exclusion zone near waterways.

Freshwater quality in rivers and streams already met ecological health standards set by the Government. ‘‘In terms of ‘swimmability’, our rivers are mostly in good or excellent health at the places and times most people swim,’’ he said.

‘‘Taranaki has addressed freshwater quality issues with programmes that have been carefully considered and tailored to ensure effectiveness in local conditions.

TRC planned to make a written submission on the proposals to Ministry for the Environment before the October 31 deadline.

It encouraged others who may be affected to do the same, Chamberlain said.