DOCSLIB.ORG

Public Health Implications of Land Use Change and Agricultural Intensification with Respect to the Canterbury Plains a Literature Review

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Public Health Implications of Land Use Change and Agricultural Intensification with Respect to the Canterbury Plains a Literature Review Public Health Implications of Land Use Change and Agricultural Intensification with respect to the Canterbury Plains A Literature Review Prepared by Dr Jackson Green Peer reviewed by Dr Cheryl Brunton Community and Public Health Canterbury District Health Board July 2014 1 Contents Executive summary ................................................................................................................................. 2 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Public health and the environment .................................................................................................... 3 Methods .................................................................................................................................................. 5 Literature review ..................................................................................................................................... 6 What are land cover and land use? .................................................................................................... 6 What is intensification? ...................................................................................................................... 6 Global trends in land use .................................................................................................................... 6 The Canterbury plains ........................................................................................................................... 10 History of land use in Canterbury ..................................................................................................... 10 Geology and hydrology ..................................................................................................................... 11 Geology of the Canterbury plains ................................................................................................. 11 Hydrology of the Canterbury plains .............................................................................................. 13 Health effects of land use change and agricultural intensification ...................................................... 18 Zoonotic disease emergence and transmission ................................................................................ 18 Antimicrobial resistance ................................................................................................................... 20 Reduced water quality ...................................................................................................................... 21 Pathogens ..................................................................................................................................... 22 Chemical contamination ............................................................................................................... 27 Nutrients ....................................................................................................................................... 28 Availability of water ...................................................................................................................... 35 Ways to support water quality ..................................................................................................... 36 Climate change.................................................................................................................................. 46 Ecosystem dysfunction and loss of biodiversity ............................................................................... 47 Importance for health ................................................................................................................... 47 Effect of land use change .............................................................................................................. 47 Strong rural communities ................................................................................................................. 48 Importance for health ................................................................................................................... 48 Effect of land use change .............................................................................................................. 48 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................... 52 Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. 53 References ............................................................................................................................................ 56 1 Executive summary Land use change has been occurring rapidly in recent years, both at a global scale and within Canterbury. While there is potential for this change to create wealth – indeed wealth creation is usually the purpose of land use change – there is also potential for unintended effects which may impair the health of communities. This review is intended to provide information to help anticipate and avoid negative consequences of land use change. This literature review was originally completed in 2010 and updated in 2014. There is a focus on Canterbury and New Zealand literature where available, and international literature is also considered in the Canterbury context. There is also substantial reference to non-peer reviewed reports produced by New Zealand and International governmental and research organisations. The history of land use change in Canterbury is as long as the history of human occupation, and has allowed substantial increases in health and wellbeing. Recently, the dairy boom has driven rapid expansion of irrigation and agricultural intensification, while the ‘lifestyle block’ trend and the 2010- 2011 Canterbury earthquakes have driven urban expansion of Christchurch’s rural fringe and satellite towns. The majority of literature examining the health effects of land use change is focussed on water quality. There is clear evidence linking agricultural intensification and urban expansion in Canterbury with decreases in water quality and increases in the incidence of waterborne disease. Furthermore, these effects are often most keenly felt by those who can least afford mitigation measures – people who are often already vulnerable and can easily be pushed in to poor health. Poor health of any member of a community has a financial cost to all, both in the cost of treatment and the loss of productivity to the economy. Many mitigation technologies are available which, if implemented, could allow intensification of existing agricultural activities without the negative external effects on water quality. However, these mitigation technologies also add cost so may make more intensive agriculture uneconomic. Furthermore, the currently available mitigation technologies are not sufficiently effective to offset conversions of land from low-intensity activities such as forestry and dryland sheep-beef farming to high-intensity activities such as dairying or cropping. Apart from water quality, agricultural intensification and urban expansion have the potential to affect health through increased greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and weaker rural communities. Furthermore, agricultural intensification could also affect health through increased zoonotic disease risk and increased antimicrobial resistance. The evidence for the health implications of these effects is not specific to Canterbury, but national and international evidence demonstrates that the kinds of changes occurring in Canterbury are likely to have similar effects as elsewhere. Furthermore, although the health effects of these changes are less immediate than those of declining water quality, they could be much more substantial in the long term, so they cannot be ignored. Land use in Canterbury will continue to change along with the global environment and economy. Care must be taken to ensure land use decisions support economic growth without creating adverse health outcomes. 2 Introduction This paper is a 2014 update of a literature review originally performed in 2010. This update has been prepared in response to a request from the Protection Team, Community and Public Health, Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB). This document provides an overview of the literature relevant to water quality and public health in relation to land use change, particularly agricultural intensification. This information is then discussed in the context of the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Public health and the environment The World Health Organization defines environmental health as addressing ...all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors impacting behaviours. It encompasses the assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially affect health. It is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments (World Health Organization, 2010) The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General emphasises that water quality is a key aspect of environmental health, fundamental to human health, equity, and economic development (Dr Margaret Chan, 2013). Traditionally the risks to human health from water-related hazards have been viewed in terms of a dose-response
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Hydrological Effects of the M W 7.1 Darfield (Canterbury) Earthquake, 4
    New Zealand Journal of Geologyand Geophysics Vol. 55, No. 3, September 2012, 231Á247 1 Hydrological effects of the MW 7.1 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake, 4 September 2010, New Zealand SC Coxa*, HK Rutterb, A Simsc, M Mangad, JJ Weirb, T Ezzye,PAWhitef, TW Hortong and D Scotte aGNS Science, Dunedin, New Zealand; bAqualinc Research Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand; cDepartment of Geography, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; dDepartment of Earth and PlanetaryScience, Universityof California, Berkeley,California, USA; eEnvironment Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand; fGNS Science, Taupo, New Zealand; gGeological Sciences, Universityof Canterbury,Christchurch, New Zealand (Received 7 December 2011; final version received 14 March 2012) The MW7.1 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake on 4 September 2010 generated widespread hydrological effects ranging from near-instantaneous coseismic liquefaction and changes of groundwater levels in boreholes, to more sustained (days to weeks) post-seismic changes in spring flow, river discharge and groundwater piezometric levels, to longer term shifts in groundwater level one year after the earthquake. Groundwater piezometric responses include local groundwater level increases of 20 m around the Greendale Fault, particularly in deep aquifers (80 m), whereas decreases occurred in coastal confined aquifers beneath Christchurch city. Increases of up to 5 m persisted within 20 km of the fault 12 h after the earthquake. Groundwater levels and springs were affected throughout New Zealand, from 350 km away in Southland to nearly 1000 km away in Northland, even where shaking intensities were less than Modified Mercalli Intensity (MM) 3Á4 (weak to largely observed) and peak ground acceleration was much B0.01 g. Release of artesian groundwater pressure and groundwater flow are postulated to have played pivotal roles in Christchurch liquefaction.
    [Show full text]
  • Presentation of September 4, 2010 Canterbury Earthquake
    Presentation of September 4, 2010 Canterbury Earthquake William Godwin, PG, CEG AEG Vice President, 2019-20 Webinar – May 6, 2020 Introduction ► This presentation is on the 2010 Mw 7.1 Canterbury Earthquake. The earthquake occurred as I was traveling from San Francisco to Auckland, New Zealand to attend the IAEG Congress. Upon arrival I was asked to join the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) team to document damage from the event in the Christchurch area of the South Island. Little did I know that another smaller (Mw 6.2), yet deadlier earthquake would strike 5 months later in close to the same area. Introduction ► The purpose of the GEER is to observe and record earthquake induced phenomena and impacts to infrastructure before evidence is removed or altered as part of cleanup efforts. ► The reconnaissance was conducted by a joint USA-NZ-Japan team with the main funding for the USA contingent coming from GEER and partial support from PEER and EERI. ► This presentation includes my photographs from Sept. 8-10 supplemented with a few photos and observations noted in the GEER report, Nov. 2010. I also describe other seismic events from 2011-16. Sept 4th Darfield Earthquake ► At 4:35 am on September 4th NZ Standard Time (16:35 Sept 3rd UTC) the rupture of a previously unrecognized strike-slip fault (Greendale Fault) beneath the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand’s South Island produced a Mw 7.1 earthquake that caused widespread damage throughout the region. Surprisingly only two people were seriously injured, with approximately 100 total injuries. This compares with 185 deaths in the 2011 event Canterbury Earthquake Sequence Greendale Fault Rupture Characteristics Epicenter (focal) depth: 10.8km Tectonic Setting Ground Motion (pga) Geographical Setting Preliminary Observations ► Rock Avalanche, Castle Rock Reserve, Littleton, Christchurch ► Fault Offset, Telegraph Rd at Grange Rd.
    [Show full text]
  • Visitors Guide Kia Ora Contents
    SELWYN.NZ visitors guide Kia ora Contents 4 WELCOME TO SELWYN 6 SELWYN DISTRICT MAP 8 EXPERIENCE SELWYN 10 EXPLORE BY FOOT 12 EXPLORE BY BIKE 14 PASTURE TO PLATE 16 SKI SELWYN 18 GOLF 19 GARDENS OF SELWYN 20 EXPLORE OUR TOWNS 21 PREPARE FOR THE ELEMENTS 22 TOUR ITINERARIES 24 LISTINGS: Activities & Attractions 24 Food & Drink 28 Transport 29 Accommodation 29 2 visit SELWYN.NZ 3 Kia ora WELCOMEFrom the Slopes TOto SELWYN the Sea Explore selwyn your way at your own pace intro text to go here. From the are home to century old farms, new industry, artisans, growers mountains to and producers. the sea Only 20 minutes from Selwyn is a dynamic region Christchurch, Selwyn has of diverse landscapes. The plenty to offer our visitors, stunning Southern Alps rise whether it’s for an afternoon, up against the skyline, behind a daytrip or a minibreak. See rugged ridges and rolling what awaits you in Selwyn, foothills. Stretching between from the mountains, plains the two magnicent braided and the sea. rivers, Waimakariri and Rakaia, Selwyn’s patchwork like plains 4 From the people Selwyn is rich with its fertile soils and lush pastures. Selwyn Selwyn district lies within is home to Lincoln University, the takiw¯a of Ng¯ai Tahu. the oldest agricultural teaching Te Taumutu Ru¯nanga have institution in the Southern shed the abundant waters of Hemisphere. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere for The people of Selwyn bring hundreds of years and still do their character and love of to this day. Traditionally Ma¯ori the district into their fresh would hunt moa and weka products.
    [Show full text]
  • Paleoseismology of the 2010 Mw 7.1 Darfield (Canterbury) Earthquake Source, Greendale Fault, New Zealand
    BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE Hornblow, S.; Nicol, A.; Quigley, M.; Van Dissen, R. J. 2014. Paleoseismology of the 2010 Mw 7.1 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake source, Greendale Fault, New Zealand, GNS Science Report 2014/26. 27 p. S. Hornblow, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand A. Nicol, GNS Science, GNS Science, PO Box 30368, Lower Hutt, New Zealand M. Quigley, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand R. J. Van Dissen, GNS Science, GNS Science, PO Box 30368, Lower Hutt, New Zealand © Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited, 2014 ISSN 1177-2425 (Print) ISSN 2350-3424 (Online) ISBN 978-1-927278-50-5 CONTENTS LAYMAN’S ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................... III TECHNICAL ABSTRACT .................................................................................................... IV KEYWORDS ........................................................................................................................ IV 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1 2.0 TECTONIC, GEOLOGIC AND GEOMORPHIC SETTING .......................................... 4 3.0 GEOMETRY AND SLIP OF THE DARFIELD EARTHQUAKE RUPTURE ................. 6 4.0 FAULT TRENCHING .................................................................................................. 7 4.1 HIGHFIELD ROAD ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Regions of Liquefaction Damage in Kaiapoi Following the Canterbury Earthquakes and Their Correlation with Former River Channels
    Regions Of Liquefaction Damage In Kaiapoi Following The Canterbury Earthquakes And Their Correlation With Former River Channels L.M. Wotherspoon, M.J. Pender & R.P. Orense The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand SUMMARY: The town of Kaiapoi, 17 km north of the city of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, suffered significant damage as a result of liquefaction and lateral spreading during the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence. Severe lateral spreading and large volumes of ejecta were present throughout the town and surrounding region. Shifts in the path of the rivers in the region have been extensive since the beginnings of European settlement in the 1850s, and as a result there are multiple areas within the town and surrounding area that were, until recently, channels of the river. Using historical data, areas that had been reclaimed were identified, and when compared with the areas of severe liquefaction damage following these earthquakes, the strong correlation between the two was revealed. The significant damage to buildings, infrastructure and services in these regions highlights the importance of having a clear understanding of historical river modifications in seismically active regions. Keywords: Liquefaction, lateral spreading, Canterbury earthquakes, river modification 1. INTRODUCTION Kaiapoi is a small town approximately 17 km north of the city of Christchurch in the Canterbury region of New Zealand (See Figure 1 and 3a). On 4 September 2010, the Mw7.1 Darfield earthquake occurred 42 km to the south west of Kaiapoi. This earthquake resulted in severe liquefaction-induced damage in both Christchurch and Kaiapoi, with Kaiapoi experiencing some of the most severe damage from the resulting lateral spreading, settlement and ejected material.
    [Show full text]
  • Canterbury), New Zealand Earthquake of September 4, 2010
    EERI Special Earthquake Report — November 2010 Learning from Earthquakes The Mw 7.1 Darfield (Canterbury), New Zealand Earthquake of September 4, 2010 From September 8th to 20th, 2010, at 4:36 am, as well as to the moder- magnitude at 7.1 with a predomi- a team organized by the Earth- ate level of shaking in the most popu- nantly strike-slip focal mechanism quake Engineering Research Insti- lated areas of the Canterbury region. having a right-lateral focal plane tute (EERI) and the Pacific Earth- New Zealand also benefits from a striking east-west. However, more quake Engineering Research modern structural code and rigorous detailed and ongoing analysis has (PEER) Center investigated the code enforcement. Regional planning revealed a strong reverse faulting effects of the Darfield earthquake. had been undertaken to reduce criti- component to the mainshock. The team was led by Mary Comerio, cal infrastructure and lifelines vulner- The surface rupture spans nearly UC Berkeley, and included Lucy ability to natural hazards about 15 30 km and consists of fault scarps Arendt, University of Wisconsin, years ago (Centre for Advanced Engi- that locally exceed 4 m of right- Green Bay; Michel Bruneau, Uni- neering, 1997), with improvements in lateral and about 1 m of vertical versity of Buffalo, New York; local government and utilities pre- dislocation of the ground surface. Peter Dusicka, Portland State Uni- paredness, as well as the retrofitting In most places along and near the versity; Henri Gavin, Duke Univer- of bridges and other lifeline facilities. fault, the ground surface on the sity; Charles Roeder, University of Christchurch is the largest city on the south side has been raised relative Washington; and Fred Turner, Cali- South Island of New Zealand, and to the north side.
    [Show full text]
  • Canterbury 2019 an Overview
    Canterbury 2019 An Overview DISTRICT KAIKOURA HURUNUI DISTRICT SELWYN WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT ASHBURTON DISTRICT CHRISTCHURCH DISTRICT CITY MACKENZIE DISTRICT DISRICT TIMARU WAITAKI WAIMATE DISTRICT DISTRICT A strong regional economy with resilient, connected communities and a better quality of life for all. 2 of 26 Introduction This overview of Canterbury region has been prepared for members of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum following local body elections in October 2019. It presents high-level information on current state and trends to inform Mayoral Forum priorities, engagement with central government and development of a Canterbury Regional Development Strategy for the 2020–22 local government term. The overview is structured around: • the ‘four wellbeings’ (environmental, economic, social and cultural) that were reinstated into the Local Government Act 2002 (ss.3, 5, 10, 14, 101 and Schedule 10) in May 2019 • the ‘four capitals’ of the NZ Treasury’s Living Standards Framework.1 Where data permit this, the report includes regional indicators presented on the Treasury’s Living Standards Dashboard.2 The data and information in this overview are current as at 10 June 2019. 1 https://treasury.govt.nz/information-and-services/nz-economy/living-standards 2 https://nztreasury.shinyapps.io/lsfdashboard/ 3 of 26 Contents Environmental wellbeing and natural capital 4 Land .................................................................................4 Water ............................................................................... 6 Air .................................................................................8
    [Show full text]
  • Wind Erosion in New Zealand L.R
    Wind Erosion in New Zealand L.R. Basher and D.J. Painter 1 Introduction Aeolian processes have had a major influence in shaping the New Zealand landscape, the most visible expression being the formation of extensive, thick Quaternary and early Holocene loess deposits. These are widespread throughout both main islands of New Zealand (e.g. see Ives, 1973 and Eden and Furkert, 1988). The loess, derived from primary sources in riverbeds and coastal plains, was largely deposited under cool climate conditions of glacial periods. However, since European settlement of New Zealand large areas of the country have been converted from forest and utilised for animal grazing or crop production. As a result wind erosion became a major concern for soil conservation in New Zealand, and for a long time government subsidies were available to farmers for wind erosion control (Anon., 1971; Salter, 1984). Climatic and soil factors, in combination with widespread vegetation degradation in parts of the country, are largely responsible for the contemporary distribution of wind erosion. New Zealand is a long, narrow landmass lying between latitudes 35E and 45ES (Fig. 1) in the zone of strong mid- latitude westerly winds, and by world standards is a windy country (Painter, 1978a). It is also mountainous, with axial ranges trending north-east/south-west across the path of the prevailing westerly winds. This results in particularly high wind speeds to the east of the mountains (Reid, 1984). Many of the soils of New Zealand have light textures (silty and sandy), are weakly aggregated, and are prone to structural decline under intensive cultivation.
    [Show full text]
  • New Zealand Touring Map
    Manawatawhi / Three Kings Islands NEW ZEALAND TOURING MAP Cape Reinga Spirits North Cape (Otoa) (Te Rerengawairua) Bay Waitiki North Island Landing Great Exhibition Kilometres (km) Kilometres (km) N in e Bay Whangarei 819 624 626 285 376 450 404 698 539 593 155 297 675 170 265 360 658 294 105 413 849 921 630 211 324 600 863 561 t Westport y 1 M Wellington 195 452 584 548 380 462 145 355 334 983 533 550 660 790 363 276 277 456 148 242 352 212 649 762 71 231 Wanaka i l Karikari Peninsula e 95 Wanganui 370 434 391 222 305 74 160 252 779 327 468 454 North Island971 650 286 508 714 359 159 121 499 986 1000 186 Te Anau B e a Wairoa 380 308 252 222 296 529 118 781 329 98 456 800 479 299 348 567 187 189 299 271 917 829 Queenstown c Mangonui h Cavalli Is Themed Highways29 350 711 574 360 717 905 1121 672 113 71 10 Thames 115 205 158 454 349 347 440 107 413 115 Picton Kaitaia Kaeo 167 86 417 398 311 531 107 298 206 117 438 799 485 296 604 996 1107 737 42 Tauranga For more information visit Nelson Ahipara 1 Bay of Tauroa Point Kerikeri Islands Cape Brett Taupo 82 249 296 143 605 153 350 280 newzealand.com/int/themed-highways643 322 329 670 525 360 445 578 Mt Cook (Reef Point) 87 Russell Paihia Rotorua 331 312 225 561 107 287 234 1058 748 387 637 835 494 280 Milford Sound 11 17 Twin Coast Discovery Highway: This route begins Kaikohe Palmerston North 234 178 853 401 394 528 876 555 195 607 745 376 Invercargill Rawene 10 Whangaruru Harbour Aotearoa, 13 Kawakawa in Auckland and travels north, tracing both coasts to 12 Poor Knights New Plymouth 412 694 242 599 369 721 527 424 181 308 Haast Opononi 53 1 56 Cape Reinga and back.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Insect Fauna and Vegetation of Rakaia Island
    Indigenous insect fauna and vegetation of Rakaia Island Report No. R14/60 ISBN 978-1-927299-84-2 (print) 978-1-927299-86-6 (web) Brian Patrick Philip Grove June 2014 Report No. R14/60 ISBN 978-1-927299-84-2 (print) 978-1-927299-86-6 (web) PO Box 345 Christchurch 8140 Phone (03) 365 3828 Fax (03) 365 3194 75 Church Street PO Box 550 Timaru 7940 Phone (03) 687 7800 Fax (03) 687 7808 Website: www.ecan.govt.nz Customer Services Phone 0800 324 636 Indigenous insect fauna and vegetation of Rakaia Island Executive summary The northern end of Rakaia Island, a large in-river island of the Rakaia River, still supports relatively intact and extensive examples of formerly widespread Canterbury Plains floodplain and riverbed habitats. It is managed as a river protection reserve and conservation area by Canterbury Regional Council, having been retired from grazing since 1985. This report describes the insect fauna associated with indigenous and semi-indigenous forest, shrubland-grassland and riverbed vegetation of north Rakaia Island. A total of 119 insect species of which 112 (94%) are indigenous were recorded from the area during survey and sampling in 2012-13. North Rakaia Island is of very high ecological significance for its remnant indigenous vegetation and flora (including four nationally threatened plant species), its insect communities, and insect-plant relationships. This survey, which focused on Lepidoptera, found many of the common and characteristic moths and butterflies that would have been abundant across the Canterbury Plains before European settlement. Three rare/threatened species and several new species of indigenous moth were also found.
    [Show full text]
  • The Groundwater Resources of the Canterbury Plains
    THE GROUNDWATER RESOURCES OF THE . CANTERBURY PLAINS THE GROUNDWATER RESOURCES OF THE CANTERBURY PLAINS THE GROUNDVVATER RESOURCES OF THE CANTERBURY PLAINS s. MANDEL Consultant to the New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute. Professor of Hydrology and Head of the Groundwater Research Centre, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel. No. 12 MAY 1974 Published by the New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute, Lincoln College, Canterbury, New Zealand - CONTENTS Page PREFACE x ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS xii SECTION 1 Introduction 1 2 Summary of conclusions and recommendations 1 2.1 Groundwater 1 2.2 Surface water 2 2.3 Engineering and economics 3 3 Units of measurement 5 4 Description of the area 5 4.1 Situation, boundaries, topography 5 4.2 Geology 6 4.2. 1- Rock formations 6 4. 2. 2. Geological history 6 4. 2.3. Quaternary stratigraphy 7 4.2.4. Thickness of the quaternary strata 8 4.3 Climate 8 4.4 River flow S 4.5 Demography 10 4.6 Agriculture 10 4.7 Present water supplies 10 4.8 Wells 12 5 Characteristics of the groundwater system 12 5. 1 Properties of the aquifers 12 5.2 Water levels 13 v Contents •.•.. Page 5. 2. 1- Configuration of water levels 13 5. 2. 2. Water level fluctuations 15 5.2.3. Dependence of water levels on depth of wells 15 5.3 Geo- chemical data 15 5.4 Infiltration from river flow 19 5.5 Groundwater- fed river flow 22 5.6 Underflow 24 5.7 Vein-like groundwater flow 24 5.8 The position of the seawater- freshwater interface 24 5.9 Delineation of the groundwater system 25 6 Natural replenishment of ground- water 25 6.
    [Show full text]
  • CPW Newsletter No 2
    May-June Update Central Plains Water was set up by Christchurch City and Selwyn District Councils in March 2000 to investigate ways to improve the security and prosperity of the Central Canterbury region through water management schemes that enhance ecological and recreational values while providing opportunity for agricultural and horticultural diversity. Further information can be obtained from the Central Plains Water website http://www.cpw.org.nz/ Central Plains Water project manager is Eddie Thomas, based at the Selwyn District Council, tel (03) 324 5859. Requests for further copies, previous issues and all other enquiries about the content of this newsletter should be directed to him. Wairiri Valley site selected for further study Wairiri Valley has been identified as the best site for a 1,000- hectare storage reservoir to serve a large irrigation scheme for the central Canterbury Plains. This site scored best from a technical point of view and also ranked well against alternatives considered by community representatives involved in the selection process. Based on initial studies, Wairiri appears to have a sound geological base, gives options for the transportation of water from the Rakaia River or Lake Coleridge and has a very small natural catchment, minimising the risk of the reservoir overflowing during heavy rain. Construction of a scheme is currently estimated at about $100 million. Detailed work on options for raising this money from stakeholders and others will be undertaken later this year. This is just one of the many questions to be answered before a scheme could go ahead. Glentunnel, Coalgate, Whitecliffs and surrounding communities have identified issues in relation to a large body of water sitting in their neighbourhood, Wairiri Valley landowners will require compensation, and many geological, environmental and cultural considerations will need thorough investigation.
    [Show full text]