WAIKANAE RIVER RECHARGE SCHEME

Involves topping up the Waikanae River during times of drought by pumping water from underground bores into the river just below the water treatment plant.

BENEFITS

Aimed at providing a guaranteed drinking water supply for Raumati, Paraparaumu and Waikanae during son said a lot more information was needed before a decision could be made on resource consent. ‘‘There are a lot of serious questions around this.

‘‘It is untested science with no concrete examples of how it could work. It could have a really significant impact on the river and its ecology.’’

The regional council received 23 submissions on the scheme, three of which were in support, 18 opposed and two neutral.

Former Kapiti regional councillor Chris Turver, submitting against the scheme, said the river recharge plan was ‘‘an unsafe and unreliable option com- times of drought. Costs $23 million, compared with $30m for a dam.

CONCERNS

Ecological effect on the river. Effects of climate change. Possibility of saltwater getting into aquifers. Plan based on modelling, not experience. pared with a dam’’. The 50 questions posed by the regional council ranged from ecological effects and saltwater intrusion into the borefield, to the accuracy of aquifer testing, the modelling used to justify the application, the effects of climate change, and population growth.

KCDC project manager Phil Stroud was not surprised by the additional questions. ‘‘This is normal for a project of this size and complexity . . . a normal part of the statutory process.

‘‘This is not unexpected, as it is not unheard of for applicants to receive more questions seeking further information.’’