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KGB to Ewen Project Boulcott Hutt Stopbank Notice of Requirement, Resource Consent Application and Assessment of Environmental Effects Volume 1 KGB to Ewen Project Boulcott Hutt Stopbank

Notice of Requirement, Resource Consent Application and Assessment of Environmental Effects

Volume 1

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Flood Protection Please Contact: N/03/18/02 Greater Wellington Tracy Berghan (801 1045) Wellington March 2010 [Final ] PO Box 11646

T 04 384 5708 Report No:GW/FP/G/10/28 F 04 385 6960 W www.gw.govt.nz March 2010 Contents

Volume 1

Executive Summary vi

Part 1: Notice of Requirement (Form 18) and Resource Consent Application (Form 9)

Part 2: Supporting Information and Assessment of Effects on the Environment

1. Introduction 2 1.1 KGB to Ewen upgrade works 2 1.2 Boulcott and Hutt Golf Courses decision to merge 3 1.3 Report Structure 4

2 Statutory Process 5 2.1 Responsibilities of Greater Wellington Regional Council 5 2.1.1 Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP) 5 2.2 Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) 6 2.2.1 Notice of Requirement 6 2.2.2 Assessment of Effects on the Environment 8

3 Reasons why the Designation is Necessary 10 3.1 Mitigating the existing flood risk to the Lower Hutt community 10 3.1.1 The Flood Problem 10 3.1.2 Impacts on the Community 11 3.1.3 The Present Situation - Existing Stopbank between Kennedy Good Bridge and Mills Street 11 3.2 Future Work 15 3.3 Future Certainty 15 3.4 Process 15

4 Physical Description of the Location and Site Area 16 4.1 The Hutt River 16 4.2 The Site Area 17 4.3 Designation Area 17 4.4 Site Location 19 4.5 Surrounding Area 20

5 Nature/Detailed Description of the Proposed Works 22 5.1 Proposed Works 22 5.1.1 Potential changes to the Proposed Works 23 5.2 Design Details 23 5.2.1 Stopbank Cross Section 23 5.2.2 Golf Friendly Stopbank Design (Golf Course Architecture) 24 5.2.3 Detailed Stopbank Design 25 5.2.4 Associated Works 28 5.2.5 Stopbank Crest Levels 28 5.3 Technical Investigations 29

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5.3.1 River and Floodplain Hydraulic Modelling 30 5.3.2 River Geomorphology 30 5.3.4 Geotechnical Investigation 31 5.3.5 Field Survey Check 31 5.3.6 Roading Design 32 5.3.7 Utilities and Underground Services 32 5.4 Stopbank Profile 33 5.4.1 Cross section 33 5.5 Material requirements 34 5.6 Construction Methodology 34 5.6.1 Construction General 34 5.6.2 Construction Fill 36 5.6.3 Year 1: Stopbank construction from Connolly Street to the 17th hole in the Hutt course and the low bund 37 5.6.4 Year 2: Stopbank from the 17th hole in the Hutt course to the northern end, Connolly Street realignment and the Safeway section 38 Connolly Street 40 5.6.5 Year 3: Continuation of Safeway and Connolly Street works and tiding up works 40

6 Assessment of Environmental Effects 42 6.1 Effects 42 6.2 Landscape and Visual Effects 42 6.2.1 Existing Environment 42 6.2.2 Effects of the Proposed Stopbank construction and Associated Works 43 6.2.2 Proposed Mitigation 44 6.3 Recreation and Public Access 44 6.3.1 Existing Environment 44 6.3.2 Effects of the Proposed Works 44 6.3.3 Proposed Mitigation 45 6.4 Neighbouring Community and Surrounding Land uses 45 6.4.1 Existing Environment 45 6.4.2 Effects of the Works 46 6.4.3 Proposed Mitigation 49 6.5 Short term /Construction effects 50 6.5.1 Landscape and visual 50 6.5.2 Recreational effects 51 6.5.3 Stormwater effects 51 6.6 Iwi values 52 6.6.1 Effects of the Proposed Works 54 6.6.2 Mitigation Measures 55 6.7 Flood Protection 55 6.7.1 The Existing Situation 55 6.7.2 Effects of the Proposed Works 56 6.8 Summary 59

7 Regional and District Plan Provisions 60 7.2 Proposed Wellington Regional Policy Statement 63 7.3 Wellington Regional Freshwater Plan 64 7.4 Hutt City District Plan 67 7.4.1 City of Lower Hutt District Plan - Activity Status 69 7.5 Matters of National Importance 74

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7.5.1 Purpose of the RMA 74 7.5.2 Matters of National Importance 75 7.6 Conclusion 75

8 Consideration of Alternatives 76 8.2.1 Transpower’s Melling Substation Option 77 8.2.2 Initial Alignments 2006 78 8.2.3 Alignment Combinations 79 8.2.4 Favoured Alignment from the MCA Process – End of 2006 80 8.2.5 Process 82 8.3 Phase 2 Feasibility Study: February to August 2007 84 8.3.1 Phase 2 Tasks 84 8.3.2 Phase 2 Stopbank Alignment Options 85 8.3.3 Phase 2 Outcomes 90 8.4.1 Phase 3 Outcomes – Boulcott Alternative Alignment 93 8.4.2 MCA May 2008 – Summary of Alignment Options 93 8.4.3 Outcome of MCA May 2008 99 8.5 Boulcott Alternative Alignment Option Adopted as the Preferred Alignment 99 8.6 Golf clubs merger agreement and modified alignment 99

9 Mitigation Measures and Suggested Conditions 101 9.1 Potential Mitigation Measures 101 9.2 Environmental Code of Practice 102 9.2.1 Noise 103 9.2.2 Dust 103 9.2.3 Water quality and quantity 103 9.2.4 Recreation 104 9.2.5 Cultural and Historic Sites 104 9.2.6 Proposed Monitoring 104 9.3 Suggested Conditions 104

10 Consultation 106 10.1 The Consultation Process 106 10.2 Boulcott Hutt Stopbank: Selecting the Preferred Alignment (April 2006 to March 2009) 106 10.2.1 Public consultation timeline 107 10.2.2 Consultation outcomes to March 2009 108 10.3 Consultation on the Proposed Boulcott Hutt Stopbank and Associated Works from (March 2009 to date) 114 10.3.1 Parties Directly Consulted 114 10.3.2 Public consultation timeline 115 10.3.3 Hutt Golf Club 115 10.3.4 Boulcott Golf Club 117 10.3.5 Local Residents 118 10.3.6 Boulcott School 130 10.3.7 Wellington Tenths Trust & Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui 133 10.3.8 Department of Conservation (DOC) 133 10.3.9 Fish and Game NZ 134 10.3.10 Transpower 134 10.3.11 Safeway Storage Limited 135

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10.3.12 Hutt City Council 137 10.3.14 New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) 139 10.3.15 Utility Operators 140

11 Summary and Conclusions 141

12 References 142

Volume 2

13 Appendices Appendix 1: Resource Consents Consent No. WGN 980255 Consent No. WGN 060334

Appendix 2: Proposed Works Boulcott Reach: Melling Bridge to Kennedy-Good Bridge (Xs 0440-0660)

Appendix 3: Outline Plan of stopbank and associated works

Appendix 4: Photos

Appendix 5: Cross Sections – standard / golf friendly

Appendix 6: Chris Pitman’s Report from Phase 1

Appendix 7: Indicative Layout of Fairways after Construction and Indicative layout of the first year construction

Appendix 8: Boulcott Hutt Stopbank Typical Section Connolly Street Alignment Altered Stopbank and Road Plan, October 2009 / cross sections

Appendix 9: Layout plan of the stopbank near Hathaway Avenue and at the end of Boulcott Street

Appendix 10: Utilities Plan Overview

Appendix 11: Ariki Street Private Way – Stopbank location detail

Appendix 12: Cultural Impact Report

Appendix 13: Alternative Alignments considered for the Safeway Storage Site March 2010

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Executive Summary

Greater Wellington Regional Council1 (GW) intends to serve a Notice of Requirement to Hutt City Council (HCC) and lodge resource consent applications with GW in order to construct, upgrade and maintain the existing and proposed stopbanks between Fairway Drive and the Safeway Storage site, Lower Hutt and undertake associated works.

The purpose of this document is to describe the application in more detail and provide an Assessment of Effects on the Environment (AEE) in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991.

The process and information required for establishing the designation and obtaining resource consents are similar and hence the Notice of Requirement and resource consent applications are provided in Part 1 of this document with the supporting information accompanying both applications provided in Part 2. The plans and information provided in this notice and the accompanying documents also provides sufficient detail to fulfil the requirements of Section 176A (Outline Plan requirements) of the Resource Management Act 1991.

The purpose of the proposed works is to provide Hutt City and surrounding land with flood protection to with “Risk Based” 2300 cumec standard (1 in 440 year return period flood event) as detailed in the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP2). The HRFMP, describes the Hutt River Design Standard in more detail and explains the different standards for new and upgraded stopbanks along the Hutt River

The proposed works which are the subject of this Notice of Requirement and resource consent application involve the following:

1) Extending the existing stopbank between Fairway Drive and Boulcott Street by constructing a further 1,100m of stopbank through the Hutt and Boulcott Golf Courses including golf course landscaping works and any other works necessary for the construction of the stopbank and reinstatement of the golf course features disrupted by construction works.

2) Upgrading the existing stopbank between Safeway Storage and Boulcott Street and any associated works.

3) Raising and realigning Connolly Street over the upgraded stopbank and any associated works, including removal of the house at 59 Connolly Street.

4) Constructing a small bund on the Hutt Golf Course along the boundary of the course and Harcourt Werry Drive.

5) Removal of the Boulcott clubrooms and green keepers shed.

1 Greater Wellington Regional Council is used for promotional purposes only, Wellington Regional Council remains the legal name of the Council and is used in the forms associated with these applications.

2 Refer to chapter 3, page 32, HRFMP and Section 2, page of this document

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6) Relocating, replacing and or upgrading stormwater drains, power cables, gas, telecom, sewer and water pipes, property access and associated infrastructure as necessary.

7) Diverting approximately 280 cumecs of the Hutt River in a 2800 cumec metre flood event.

8) Discharge of stormwater from an area of earthworks greater than 0.3 ha.

9) Taking up to 250,000 litres per day of water from the Hutt River for use during construction.

10) Temporary extension of an existing stormwater outflow pipe adjacent to Transpower’s Melling Substation.

Gravel extracted from the Hutt River will be used to construct part of the proposed stopbank. Gravel extraction from the river is authorised under Flood Protection’s existing resource consents WGN Consent Nos. WGN980255 and WGN060334 and does not form part of this application.

The proposed works are signalled in the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP). The HRFMP was completed in 2001 and contains the overall strategy to mitigate the effects of flooding on the Hutt River floodplain.

The site that Greater Wellington Regional Council is proposing to designate can generally be described as land located on the true left bank of the Hutt River between Kennedy Good Bridge and the end of Mills Street, Lower Hutt. The designated area includes land which will be affected by the works associated with the construction of the stopbank and associated works.

The designation follows the eastern boundary of the Hutt Golf Course between Hathaway Ave and Fairway Drive before it dog legs around the Kennedy Good Bridge southern road approach. It then crosses Harcourt Werry Drive and extends as far as the existing river bank. From this point the designation follows the true left bank of the Hutt River heading south for approximately 1.65 kilometres as far as the end of Mills Street.

At Mills Street the designation heads east along the line of the existing stopbank between the northern boundary of properties in Mills St and Safeway Storage. The designation excludes Transpower’s Melling Substation and Safeway Storage site. The designation includes a thin parcel of land owned by GW at the rear of 48-54 Mills Street and 55-57 Connolly Street, 59 Connolly Street, Connolly Street itself as far south as 53 Connolly Street and the former Rentokil Site.

The designation then heads across Connolly Street following the line of the existing stopbank located in the Boulcott Golf Course before heading north toward the existing Boulcott Clubrooms as far as 1 Boulcott Street. The designation then heads east along the rear of Boulcott School until it turns north to meet up with the southern boundary of the Hutt Golf course. (Refer to Annexure 1 – Extent of Designation and Location Plan).

The designation will provide GW with the ability to upgrade, construct and maintain the existing and proposed stopbanks and associated works without the need to obtain resource consents from HCC in the future. GW is negotiating with landowners to obtain access to

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 vii March 2010 construct the stopbank and associated works which will be obtained before construction starts.

A designation does however, establish a process for land owners to require acquisition of the affected land. It also provides a process for GW to acquire the designated land under the Public Works Act 1981.

The designation affects the District Plan only. Resource consents are being concurrently applied for from GW for the works described above which affect the diversion of flood water, construction of a temporary culvert, taking water for construction purposes and any other consents required to facilitate the construction of the stopbank and associated works.

Part 1

Part 1 sets out the requirements of Forms 9 and 18 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Part 2

Part 2 describes the reasons for, and description of the public work and the resource consent application, including its effects on the environment, in greater detail.

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Part 1 Notice of Requirement (Form 18) and Resource Consent Application (Form 9)

NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT BY REQUIRING AUTHORITY FOR A DESIGNATION UNDER SECTION 168 AND CLAUSE 4 OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991

(Form 18)

TO: The Chief Executive, Hutt City Council Private Bag 31912, Lower Hutt5040

Attention: Bronwyn Little

Wellington Regional Council

Gives notice of a requirement for a designation for a public work.

The site to which the requirement applies is as follows:

The site that Wellington Regional Council is proposing to designate can generally be described as land located on the true left bank of the Hutt River between Kennedy Good Bridge and the end of Mills Street, Lower Hutt. The site includes land which will be directly affected by the works associated with the construction of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank and associated works. (Refer to Annexure 1 – Extent of Designation and Location Plan).

The designation follows the boundary of the Hutt Golf Course between Hathaway Ave and Fairway Drive before it dog legs around the Kennedy Good Bridge southern road approach. It then crosses Harcourt Werry Drive and extends as far as the existing river bank. From this point the designation follows the true left bank of the Hutt River heading south for approximately 1.65 kilometres to just past the Safeway Storage site.

At Mills Street the designation heads east along the line of the existing stopbank behind Safeway Storage. The designation excludes the Transpower and Safeway Storage sites. The designation includes a thin parcel of land owned by GW at the rear of 48-54 Mills Street and 55-57 Connolly Street, 59 Connolly Street, Connolly Street itself as far south as 53 Connolly Street and the former Rentokil Site.

The designation then heads across Connolly Street following the line of the existing stopbank located in the Boulcott Golf Course before heading north toward the existing Boulcott Clubrooms as far as 1 Boulcott Street. The designation then heads east along the rear of Boulcott School until it turns north to meet up with the southern boundary of the Hutt Golf course. ((Refer to Annexure 1 – Extent of Designation and Location Plan).

The plans and information provided in this notice and the accompanying documents provides are considered to provide sufficient detail to fulfil the requirements of Section 176A (Outline Plan requirements) of the Resource Management Act 1991.

Map Reference: NZMS 2671030E / 5998930N

The nature of the proposed public work is:

2) Upgrading the existing stopbank between Safeway Storage and Boulcott Street and any associated works.

3) Raising and realigning Connolly Street over the upgraded stopbank and any associated works, including removal of the house at 59 Connolly Street.

4) Constructing a small bund on the Hutt Golf Course along the boundary of the course and Harcourt Werry Drive.

5) Removal of the Boulcott clubrooms and green keepers shed.

6) Relocating, replacing and or upgrading stormwater drains, power cables, gas, telecom, sewer and water pipes, property access and associated infrastructure as necessary.

7) Diverting approximately 280 cumecs of the Hutt River in a 2800 cumec flood event.

8) Discharge of stormwater from an area of earthworks greater than 0.3 ha.

9) Taking 250,000 litres of water per day from the Hutt River for use during construction.

10) Temporary extension of an existing stormwater outflow pipe adjacent to Transpower's Melling Substation.

The public work is explained in more detail in the accompanying information and Assessment of Effects on the Environment (AEE) report, refer to Part 2.

The nature of the proposed restrictions that would apply is:

The nature of the proposed restrictions are explained in more detail in the accompanying information and assessment of effects on the environment (AEE) report, refer to Part 2.

Assessment of effects on the environment:

Attached to and forming part of this application is an assessment of effects on the environment (prepared in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Act) that in the detail corresponds with the scale and significance of the effects that the proposed activity may have on the environment.

The public work and designation are reasonably necessary for achieving the objectives of the requiring authority because:

The proposed works will provide flood protection to Hutt City centre as described in more detail in Part 2. The following resource consents are required in relation to this proposal:

A Water Permit and any associated Land Use consents from Wellington Regional Council will be applied for concurrently with this application.

The following consultation has been undertaken with parties that are likely to be affected:

Consultation is described in more detail in Part 2.

Additional information:

No additional information is, in the Applicant’s opinion, required to be included in this application by the District Plan, or any regional plan, the Resource Management Act 1991 or any regulations made under that Act.

DATED at Wellington this 10 day of March 2010

…………………………………. Wayne O’Donnell General Manager Catchment Management Group Wellington Regional Council

Address for Service:

Flood Protection Department Wellington Regional Council P O Box 11646 Wellington

Attention: Tracy Berghan Telephone: (04) 801 1045 Facsimile: (04) 802 0300 Email: [email protected]

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APPLICATION FOR RESOURCE CONSENT UNDER SECTION 88 OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991

(Form 9)

TO: The Manager, Environmental Regulation Wellington Regional Council P O Box 11646 WELLINGTON

Attention: Al Cross

Wellington Regional Council, Flood Protection Department

Hereby applies for the following type of resource consent:

Water Permit and any associated Land Use Consents

2) Upgrading the existing stopbank between Safeway Storage and Boulcott Street and any associated works.

3) Raising and realigning Connolly Street over the upgraded stopbank and any associated works, including removal of the house at 59 Connolly Street.

4) Constructing a small bund on the Hutt Golf Course along the boundary of the course and Harcourt Werry Drive.

5) Removal of the Boulcott clubrooms and green keepers shed.

6) Relocating, replacing and or upgrading stormwater drains, power cables, gas, telecom, sewer and water pipes, property access and associated infrastructure as necessary.

7) Diverting approximately 280 cumecs of the Hutt River in a 2800 cumec flood event.

8) Discharge of stormwater from an area of earthworks greater than 0.3 ha.

9) Taking 250,000 litres per day of water from the Hutt River for use during construction.

10) Temporary extension of an existing stormwater outflow pipe adjacent to Transpower’s Melling Substation. The application is explained in more detail in Part 2, Supporting Information and Assessment of Environmental Effects which is attached to and forms part of this application.

The consent is sought for a period of 35 years.

The name and address of the owner and occupier of any land to which the application relates is as follows:

Landowner Address Title Reference Area and Legal Hutt Golf Club Military Road All CFR 39.6787 hectares Incorporated Lower Hutt WN58B/599 Lots 1 and 2 DP 91382, Lot 1 DP 24652 and Section 1 SO 28604 All CFR 0.7606 hectares WN76/210 Part Section 37 Hutt District The Boulcott Boulcott Street All CFR 7.5403 hectares Golf Club Lower Hutt WN562/113 Lots 2 and 3 DP 9241 (Incorporated) All CFR 0.8024 hectares WN56B/103 Lot 2 DP 88540 and Part Lot 1 DP 17111 All CFR 0.0135 hectares WN10D/823 Lot 64 DP 9231 Hutt City Connolly Street Part formed and part N/A Council unformed road Harcourt Werry Parts of formed road N/A Drive Wellington 56 Connolly All CFR 0.9485 hectares Regional Street WN56B/102 Lot 1 DP 88540 and part Lot 1 Council DP 9241 59 Connolly All CFR 0.0779 hectares Street WN148/242 Lot 30 DP 1485

Off Connolly All CFR 0.0417 hectares Street WN9D/1346 Section 824 Hutt District

Off Connolly Part CFR WN21D/718 0.8620 hectares Street Parts Section 31 Hutt District Off Connolly All CFR 0.9280 hectares Street WN54D/765 Lot 2 DP 87322 and lot 6 DP 3286 Off Connolly Part CFR 1.7171 hectares Street WN305/3 Lots 2 and 6 DP 3286

Harcourt Werry Part CFR 2.0335 hectares Drive WN958/59 Parts Section 37 Hutt District and Part Lot 2 A Plan 2359 Harcourt Werry Part CFR 3.3748 hectares Drive WN948/8 Parts Section 37 Hutt District and Part Lot 2 A Plan 2359

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Landowner Address Title Reference Area and Legal Harcourt Werry Part CFR 6.1335 hectares Drive WN922/57 Lot 1 DP 22340 Harcourt Werry All CFR 2.6810 hectares Drive WN419/149 Parts Section 37 Hutt District

Harcourt Werry All CFR 0.1416 hectares Drive WN19A/391 Section 914 Hutt District

Harcourt Werry Part CFR 4.1987 hectares Drive WN7A/768 Sections 837 and 838 Hutt District Harcourt Werry Part CFR WN24A/445 3.8356 hectares Drive Part Lot 2 A Plan 1855 Harcourt Werry All CFR 0.0688 hectares Drive 346994 Section 2 SO 28604

Harcourt Werry Part CFR 3.1948 hectares Drive 307316 Parts Sections 46 and 49 Hutt District and part Lot 1 DP 10786 Harcourt Werry Part CFR 6.0101 hectares Drive WN936/40 Part Lot 2 A Plan 2173 Off Military All CFR 0.0988 hectares Road WN38A/943 Section 2 SO 36375

Off Fairway All Deeds Index 0.0166 hectares Drive WN34/351 Parts Section 49 Hutt District

Occupier Address Agreement Hutt Pro Shop Hutt Golf Club Lease of premises (Alastair Military Road Sidford)

The relevant Certificates of Title and land ownership plans are attached

The location to which the application relates is:

The site can generally be described as land located on the true left bank of the Hutt River between Kennedy Good Bridge and the end of Mills Street, Lower Hutt. The site includes land which will be affected by the works associated with the construction of the stopbank and associated works including access to the Hutt River for the purpose of taking water for construction purposes and temporarily extending an existing culvert to the Hutt River.

(Refer to Annexure 1 – Extent of Designation and Location Plan).

Map Reference: NZMS 2671030E / 5998930N

Additional resource consents required in relation to this proposal: Notice of Requirement to the Hutt City Council which is being applied for concurrently. Assessment of effects on the environment:

Attached to and forming part of this application is an Assessment of Effects on the Environment (prepared in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Act) that in the detail corresponds with the scale and significance of the effects that the proposed activity may have on the environment.

Additional information:

DATED at Wellington this 10 day of March 2010

…………………………………. Wayne O’Donnell General Manager Catchment Management Group Wellington Regional Council

Address for Service: Flood Protection Department Wellington Regional Council P O Box 11646 Wellington

Attention: Tracy Berghan Telephone: (04) 801 1045 Facsimile: (04) 802 0300 Email: [email protected]

Annexures:

1 Extent of Designation and Location Plan 2 Certificate of Titles 3 Land Ownership Plans 4 Part 2: Supporting Information and Assessment of Effects on the Environment (AEE) report

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Extent of Designation and Outline Plan of Proposed Stopbank and Associated Works

Certificates of Title

Land Ownership Plan

Part 2: Supporting Information and Assessment of Effects on the Environment March 2010

1. Introduction

Greater Wellington Regional Council3 (GW), has served a Notice of Requirement on the Hutt City Council (HCC) to designate land in order to construct, upgrade and maintain the existing and proposed stopbanks and associated works that will generally be located between the rear of 54 Mills Street and the northern end of the Hutt Golf Course (HCG) at the rear of 1 Fairway Drive, Lower Hutt. Associated works will also be carried out on parts of the Boulcott and Hutt Golf Courses, 59 Connolly Street and the former Rentokil site as described in the attached application.

GW has also lodged a resource consent application with Environmental Regulation, GW to divert floodwaters from the Hutt River between Kennedy Good Bridge and the end of Mills Street, Lower Hutt, to use river water for construction purposes, to temporarily extend an existing culvert to the Hutt River adjacent to Transpower’s Melling Substation, and any other associated works which require consents.

The purpose of Part 2 of this report is to describe the applications in more detail and provide an Assessment of Effects on the Environment (AEE) in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991.

1.1 KGB to Ewen upgrade works

The KGB to Ewen upgrade works will be implemented in four stages. All stages have to be completed to provide the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP) recommended protection to the central city area.

Stage 1: Boulcott/Hutt stopbank project This project involves upgrading the existing stopbanks and constructing new stopbanks along the approved alignment from Mills Street to Kennedy Good Bridge and is the subject of this application. If consented in 2010 the project is scheduled for completion in 2012.

Stage 2: City Centre stopbank project This project involves upgrading the existing stopbank from Ewen Bridge to Mills Street. The proposed works involve raising and strengthening the stopbank to the 2800 cumec capacity. The project is scheduled to commence in 2012 and be complete by 2019.

Stage 3: River Channel improvements project The project involves widening the river channel from Kennedy Good Bridge to Ewen Bridge to the design alignment and constructing edge protection works to provide security to the new and upgraded stopbanks.

3 Greater Wellington Regional Council is used for promotional purposes only, Wellington Regional Council remains the legal name of the Council and is used in the forms associated with these applications.

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The proposed channel works provide significant benefits including, lowering of flow velocities, improving the waterway capacity of the existing Melling Bridge and lowering the stopbank design crest levels by up to 600 mm.

Consultation on the channel widening from KGB to Mills Street is progressing. All channel excavation works and stronger edge protection works and rock lining will be implemented progressively and are scheduled for completion by 2019. Vegetation protection works could continue beyond 2019. The stopbanks will not provide the 2800 cumec level of protection until the channel works are complete.

Stage 4: Melling Bridge Replacement The full HRFMP design standard will not be achieved in this reach until the Melling Bridge is replaced. There is uncertainty about when the bridge will be replaced so the channel improvement works described in Stage 3 will be undertaken to maximise the waterway capacity in the interim. If the current New Zealand Transport Agency investigation recommends that the bridge be replaced and funding for the works is available in the near future then we would revise the extent of channel improvement works at the bridge to suit the proposal and timing.

1.2 Boulcott and Hutt Golf Courses decision to merge

The Boulcott and Hutt Golf Courses decided in November /December 2009 to merge their individual clubs. As a result of the merger decision, the appointment of a Merger Board and Course Development Committee, changes have been made to the final NOR/resource consent document to reflect the clubs’ decision.

Changes have been made to the stopbank location adjacent to Boulcott Street, south of the existing Hutt clubrooms and to the north of the clubrooms. Golf course landscaping features have been altered to reflect the proposed golf course layout (refer Appendix 3) and the construction sequence now reflects the requirements of the merged club (refer to Section 5.6).

It is GW’s intention to retain the designation over the entire site until works are completed. GW will at the request of the Merger Board uplift the designation from areas of the golf courses that are on the landward and riverside of the new stopbank in discussion with the Merger Board. The stopbank including approximately 5 metre wide buffer strips on either side and all of the land owned by GW will remain designated.

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1.3 Report Structure

After this introduction the following information is provided:

Section 2 summarises the relevant statutory processes for both the Notice of Requirement and resource consent processes.

Section 3 outlines the reasons why the designation is necessary.

Section 4 outlines the background to the proposed stopbank and associated works.

Section 5 provides a detailed description of the proposed stopbank and associated works including the proposed alignment, and construction methodology.

Section 6 provides an environmental and resource management assessment of the proposed stopbank.

Section 7 outlines the relevant RPS, Freshwater Plan and District Plan, policies and rules applicable to the proposed stopbank application.

Section 8 considers alternatives to the proposed stopbank.

Section 9 provides a description of proposed mitigation measures and suggested conditions.

Section 10 summarises the consultation that has been undertaken.

Section 11 provides an overall summary and conclusion.

This Notice of Requirement and AEE, plus the plans and drawings, address the relevant requirements of Section 17.1 of the Lower Hutt City’s District Plan and Rule 6.4 of GWs Freshwater Plan which identifies what information is to be supplied with an application for Resource Consent.

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2 Statutory Process

2.1 Responsibilities of Greater Wellington Regional Council

GW has the statutory responsibility for flood and erosion mitigation in the Wellington Region under section 30 of the RMA 1991 and Sections 10 and 126 of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941.

GW is a ‘requiring authority” in accordance with section 166 of the RMA which enables GW to give notice to HCC of its requirement to include a designation in the Lower Hutt City District Plan.

GW undertakes works on the Hutt River corridor in accordance with the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP).

2.1.1 Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP)

The HRFMP4 was completed in 2001. It provides a comprehensive strategic approach to managing the Hutt Valley’s flood hazard problems over the next 40 years.

The HRFMP was prepared with the combined efforts of the HCC and Upper Hutt City Council (UHCC), GW and tangata whenua, with input from other public agencies, local business, community groups and the general public. These efforts played a major role in determining the appropriate mix of Non- Structural5 and Structural6 measures included in the HRFMP.

Non-structural measures are being implemented by GW, HCC and UHCC. However, the Hutt Valley continues to rely heavily on its structural flood defences such as stopbanks, rock linings and vegetation buffers to reduce flood risks. This continued reliance is one reason that the design standard7 for the

4 The HRFMP is a non-statutory plan that is referenced in the Regional Policy Statement and the Lower Hutt District Plan , refer General Rules Natural Hazards Section, page 14H/4.

5 Non-Structural Methods are those that control the way land is used and buildings are constructed. Methods also relate to community awareness and preparedness and emergency management.

6 Structural Measures are physical structures or works designed to protect people and assets from flooding up to a specified standard.

7 Hutt River Design Standard The Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP), chapter 3, page 32 describes the Hutt River Design Standard in more detail. The description below is from the HRFMP and explains the different standards of the new and upgraded stopbanks along the Hutt River.

The agreed design standard for the Hutt River is a risk-based 2300 cumec standard. The risk-based approach applies varying protection standards to different areas in the floodplain, depending on how flood-prone they are. In other words, it treats the flood risk in a particular area on its merits. The 2300 cumec standard is the size of flood we are protecting against: one in which 2300 cubic metres of water flow past every second.

The risk-based standard for the Hutt River provides a 2300 cumec standard of protection to all floodplain areas except for small urban areas. Its main features are: • an emphasis on protecting existing urban floodplain areas • upgrading all major stopbanks to a 2800 cumec standard capacity (a rare flood), with remaining stopbank protection mostly to a 2300 standard (a 1 in 440-year flood) • bank-edge and berm protection to a 1900 cumec standard (a 1 in 100-year flood) for isolated and small urban areas, and a 2300 cumec standard for main urban areas • assistance for house raising • replacing bridges at the end of their useful life, with new bridges and their associated floodways required to pass a 2800 cumec flood (continued on page 6)

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stopbanks, that protect significant infrastructure including the Hutt Hospital and the City Centre, is so high.

The highest priority for completing structural works in the lower valley was given to the Ava Railway Bridge to Ewen Bridge reach. Work was started in this reach in 2004 and is nearing completion. The next highest priority for structural works is the Boulcott Hutt stopbank.

The completion of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank will mean that the protection provided to the immediate area and the wider Hutt City will be significantly improved.

Completion of the associated river channel works (refer to Section 5.3.2) and the central city works (Mill Street to Ewen Bridge) will gradually increase flood protection to the design standard of 2800 cumec flood event level.

2.2 Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA)

In order for the proposed stopbanks and associated works to proceed the requirements of the RMA must be met. These requirements are described below:

2.2.1 Notice of Requirement

Section 168 and 168A of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) sets out the information requirements for a Notice of Requirement (NOR) and section 171 sets out the matters that HCC are required to consider, or have particular regard to. The information requirements are similar to that required for the resource consent application and include an assessment of the effects on the environment.

Specifically Section 168 of the RMA requires a notice of requirement to ‘be in the prescribed form’ and includes the following information requirements:

x the reasons why the designation is needed to achieve the objectives of the requiring authority; x the physical and legal descriptions of the site; x the nature of the work, and any proposed restrictions; x the effect that the proposed work will have on the environment, and the proposed mitigation measures; x alternative sites, routes and methods that have been considered

(From page 5) • developing appropriate risk-based non-structural measures to complement the structural measures for the different flood-prone areas of the Hutt Valley

The protection level chosen for each flood-prone area was based on the: • potential damage costs • area and number of people affected • area’s vulnerability to flooding and erosion.

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x associated resource consents which will be required, and those that have been applied for; x the consultation undertaken with parties likely to be affected by the designation; and x additional information (if any) as required by regional or district plans or regulations.

Section 171 requires HCC to focus on environmental effects when it makes its recommendation. It states:

“(1) When considering a requirement and any submissions received, a territorial authority must, subject to Part 2, consider the effects on the environment of allowing the requirement, having particular regard to –

(a) any relevant provisions of -

(i) a national policy statement; (ii) a New Zealand coastal policy statement; (iii) a regional policy statement or proposed regional policy statement; (iv) a plan or proposed plan; and

(b) whether adequate consideration has been given to alternative sites, routes, or methods of undertaking the work if -

(i) the requiring authority does not have an interest in the land sufficient for undertaking the work; or (ii) it is likely that the work will have a significant adverse effect on the environment; and

(c) whether the work and designation are reasonably necessary for achieving the objectives of the requiring authority for which the designation is sought; and

(d) any other matter the territorial authority considers reasonably necessary in order to make a recommendation on the requirement.

(2) The territorial authority may recommend to the requiring authority that it—

(a) confirm the requirement (b) modify the requirement: (c) impose conditions: (d) withdraw the requirement.

(3) The territorial authority must give reasons for its recommendation under subsection (2)”.

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2.2.2 Assessment of Effects on the Environment

Section 88(6)(a) of the RMA requires that an Assessment of Effects (AEE) should be in such detail as corresponds to the scale and significance of the actual and potential effects that the activity may have on the environment.

Fourth Schedule of the Act

An evaluation of the matters that should be included in an AEE under Part 1 of the Fourth Schedule identifies the following requirements as being those applicable:

Clause (a): A Description of the Proposal.

Clause (b): Adverse Effects. Clause (b) requires that where an activity has significant adverse effects, an assessment of alternatives and alternative methods must be provided. The alternatives considered by GW are discussed in Section 8.

Clause (c): Repealed.

Clause (d): Actual or Potential Effects. Clause (d) requires an assessment of the actual or potential effects on the environment. These effects are discussed in Section 6.

Clause (e): Hazardous Substances and Installations: Clause (e) requires an assessment of any risks to the environment which are likely to arise from the use of hazardous substances and installations. There will be no hazardous substances or installations on site, apart from those normally associated with permitted activities (e.g. re-fuelling). The quantities will be small, so resource consent is not required.

Clause (f): Discharge of Contaminants: Clause (f) requires a description of any discharge of contaminants. There will be no direct discharge of contaminants into the Hutt River from this application apart from the extension of an existing culvert.

Clauses (g) and (i): Mitigation Measures and Monitoring: Clause (g) requires a description of proposed mitigation measures to be undertaken to help prevent or reduce actual and potential effects; and Clause (i) requires a description of any proposed monitoring. These are discussed in Section 9.

Clause (h): Interested and Affected Parties and Consultation Undertaken. Clause (h) requires that consultation is undertaken with interested and affected parties, and a record made of any responses to the views of those consulted. Section 10 of this report summarises the consultation undertaken by GW.

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Under Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule the following matters require consideration:

Clause (a): Effects on Neighbours and Community. Clause (a) requires the AEE to give consideration to any effects on the neighbourhood. These are discussed in Section 6.

Clause (b): Physical Effect on the Locality. Clause (b) requires an assessment of any physical effect on the locality. Physical effects are addressed in Section 6.

Clause (c): Effects on Ecosystems. Clause (c) requires an assessment of any effects on ecosystems. This matter is addressed in Section 6 in relation to any effects on ecosystems in the Hutt River. In terms of any potential ecosystems in the Hutt River, given the limited nature of the work in relation to the Hutt River itself (apart from the need to take limited quantities of water for construction purposes and temporarily extend an existing culvert to the Hutt River) it is anticipated that there would be no adverse effects. In terms of the existing gravel extraction consents the potential effects on the environment have already been considered refer to Appendix 1.

Clause (d): Effects on Natural and Physical Resources. Clause (d) requires that an assessment should be undertaken of any effects on natural and physical resources having aesthetic, recreational, scientific, historical, spiritual or cultural, or other special values for present or future generations. The assessment is addressed in Section 6.

Clause (e): Discharge of Contaminants. Clause (e) requires an assessment of any discharge of contaminants into the environment, including any unreasonable discharge of noise. It is not expected that there will be any unreasonable discharge of noise outside of the construction phase. A consent condition is proposed to address construction noise and is addressed in section 6. In terms of any potential discharges or impacts on ecology and water quality in the Hutt River, given the limited nature of the work in relation to the Hutt River, it is anticipated that there would be no adverse effects. In terms of the existing gravel extraction consents the potential effects on the environment have already been considered (refer to Appendix 1).

Clause (f): Risks to the Environment from Natural Hazards or from the Use of Hazardous Substances or Installations. The proposal seeks to reduce the level of risk that currently exists from flooding. Once completed the upgraded Hutt River Flood Protection scheme will significantly improve the safety and security of the Hutt Valley from Hutt River flooding.

There will be no hazardous substances or hazardous installations on the site that would trigger the need for resource consent. The risk to the environment in terms of hazardous substances will be negligible.

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3 Reasons why the Designation is Necessary

3.1 Mitigating the existing flood risk to the Lower Hutt community

The designation for “flood protection works” is necessary to facilitate the planning and construction of a significant public work. The public work involves upgrading the existing stopbank, construction of a new stopbank, and the ongoing maintenance and associated works which will provide flood protection to the Hutt City centre up to an overall standard of 2300 cumec standard8 (1 in 440 year return period flood event).

The proposed work is part of a planned set of structural, non-structural and environmental works that were agreed to in 2001 by GW, HCC, UHCC and the community, contained in the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP) refer to Appendix 2: Extract from the HRFMP – Proposed Works Boulcott Reach.

There is a significant background of supporting information (including the HRFMP) which should be referred to for the specific details of the investigations, but the hazard potential from a flood event is significant. Since 2005, the Hutt City District Plan has recognised the flood hazard from the Hutt River and included flood hazard maps and planning controls for areas relating to the Hutt River where stopbanks are not in place or will not be constructed in the future.

3.1.1 The Flood Problem9

Throughout its recorded history many large floods have affected the Hutt Valley. Historically, the response was to progressively build a flood defence system along most of the Hutt River’s length, gradually straighten the river channel, and excavate substantial quantities of gravel to improve the river’s flood carrying capacity.

Mechanical methods were first used to control the river in 1865, and the first flood defences were built in 1894 to protect Petone, after it was inundated by floodwaters. Stopbanks were added between 1901 and 1906, stretching from the river mouth to Boulcott, and a gravel extraction and river straightening programme was implemented from 1916. In 1940 the Government began developing residential “state housing” areas in the eastern and northern parts of Lower Hutt. The flood defences were extended north to Taita Gorge and later through Upper Hutt to Maoribank between 1956 and 1972 to protect new housing estates.

Since 1972, isolated and substandard stopbanks have progressively been extended or rebuilt, and existing stopbanks maintained. Large scale gravel

8 The Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP), Chapter 3, page 32 describes the Hutt River Design Standard in more detail and explains the different standards of the new and upgraded stopbanks along the Hutt River refer also to footnote 7.

9 From the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan, GW 2001

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extraction and river straightening have steadily been replaced with a focus on re-establishing bank-edge vegetation and strengthening bank edges.

Since 2001 the approach has been to upgrade and strengthen stopbanks, bank edge protection and introduce planning controls and emergency management responses in line with the HRFMP. Gravel extraction has also been increasing particularly since 2006 when GW successfully obtained resource consent to substantially increase gravel extraction from the Hutt Rive to prevent the continued build up of gravel from reducing the flood carrying capacity of the channel.

3.1.2 Impacts on the Community

A large flood over the Hutt River floodplain would have wide-ranging social and psychological impacts on the Hutt Valley community. There would be physical damage and disruption to homes, schools workplaces, community facilities (such as public halls and clubrooms), essential services (including hospitals) and emergency services.

A particularly large flood affecting an under-prepared community may cause injury or even death. Utilities such as electricity, water supply and telecommunications could be put out of action for days. Escalating damages to property will heighten the degree of social disruption, stress and trauma.

The financial cost from such a flood could exceed one billion dollars. Damages to buildings and roads could take many months to repair, crippling the day-to-day functioning of the Hutt Valley community. Recovery from a large flood is likely to be slow. The associated disruption would have an enormous impact on the regional economy, and may affect the national economy as well.

Social and psychological impacts (intangible damages) are likely to cost individuals and the community at least as much again as the physical or tangible damages.

3.1.3 The Present Situation - Existing Stopbank between Kennedy Good Bridge and Mills Street

The existing stopbank was originally constructed in the early 1900’s and later upgraded over part of its length in the 1960’s and 1980’s. The area was not fully stop banked due to objections from local residents.

The stopbank between the end of Mills Street and Hathaway Avenue is high enough to contain a flood in the order of a 1 in 100 year return period event. However, the security it provides in some areas is considered to be very low (the stopbank did contain floods in the order of a 1 in 25 year return period flood in the 1998 and 2005 floods). Following two flood events in late 1998, emergency repairs were carried out on a section of the existing stopbank at Ariki Street that was showing signs of failure.

Boulcott Hutt Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 11 March 2010

There is a short (350 metre) return stopbank immediately downstream of Kennedy Good Bridge, behind the former National Film Unit building in Fairway Drive, opposite Avalon Park. This stopbank was constructed in the 1970’s and is considered to be of a standard which meets the current stopbank design standard.

Between the existing Fairway Drive stopbank and just south of HGC clubrooms the topography of the existing land is sufficiently high to contain floods to approximately a 1900 cumec standard (1 in 100 year return period flood event).

Further to the south of the Hutt clubrooms as far as the BGC number 1 Tee there is no stopbank. Approximately 10 houses in Hathaway Avenue were flooded in the 1998 and 2005 flood events.

Figures 3.1 and 3.2 show the potential flooding with a 2800 cumec flood event before and after the stopbank is constructed.

Boulcott Hutt Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 12 March 2010

Figure 3.1: Flood Extend Map with no Breaches – Lower Hutt

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#648043-V1 13 March 2010 Figure 3.2: Flood Extend with new and upgraded stopbanks – Lower Hutt

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 14 March 2010

3.2 Future Work

While the designation remains in place, rights to undertake flood mitigation works within the designated area are conferred to GW. Any work that GW wishes to undertake now or at some future date can be undertaken in accordance with the Outline Plan provisions of the RMA (Section 176A). This work can be undertaken without the need for a resource consent application to HCC. An Outline Plan only, needs to be provided to HCC before the work proceeds.

The plans and information provided in this Notice and the accompanying documents provides sufficient detail to fulfil the requirements of Section 176A of the Resource Management Act 1991. The plans show the extent of the proposed work, the finished design and golf landscaping as outlined in Appendix 3.

3.3 Future Certainty

The designation provides certainty in terms of the district plan requirements that flood protection works will be undertaken within the designated area. It alerts anyone planning work within or adjoining the designation to the public work. GW is also provided with certainty that new activities [outside those currently operating] cannot take place within the designated area without its approval as the requiring authority.

A resource consent process does not signal the nature and extent of the public work in such a clear and transparent way.

3.4 Process

The designation of land required for the public work requires GW to enter into a legal agreement with the existing owners and lessees. The consultation that has occurred to date has been positive and those individuals and or organisations affected have generally agreed to the works proceeding subject to suitable arrangements being agreed. In the event, however, that there is some difficulty securing the right to access the land to undertake the work, the designation offers a process to fair resolution. In particular the owners of the designated land can demand that GW purchase the land or GW can require the land to be sold or an easement be given via the Public Works Act 1981.

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4 Physical Description of the Location and Site Area

4.1 The Hutt River

The Hutt River is a steep alluvial river, draining a small mountainous catchment. The total area drained by the river and its tributaries is approximately 650km10. The distance from the rivers source to its mouth is 45km. The highest point in the catchment is Mt Hector, at 1529m above sea level. The floodplain sits approximately 110 metres above sea level at Te Marua, and falls quickly to 70 metres at Totara Park, before sloping more gradually towards the sea.

Marked changes in climate over geologically recent times have occurred in the Hutt catchment. During colder glacial periods the catchment has been denuded and severely eroded, with large accumulations of materials in the valleys. During warmer interglacial periods, like the present, the catchment has been forested. Soil build-up has occurred, and the river system has cut down into the previously deposited material. The bed material of the river is supplied by reworking of available deposits along the river channels, rather than directly from high catchment erosion. In extreme events the Hutt River could be blocked by landslides or debris flows, but in general the river system maintains a sediment transport balance, with a tendency toward entrenchment, except for a build-up of material at the river mouth (Easther, 1991).

The river channel has been substantially altered since European colonisation. The 1855 earthquake raised the Hutt Valley by about two metres and this had a marked effect on the estuarine area at the river mouth. It also facilitated the channel straightening and the enlargement that took place in the early part of the 20th century up to the Ewen Bridge. The large bands and loops in the river channel were cut off first, and then over time the channel was further straightened and confined (Williams, 1991).

The main channel of the Hutt River is naturally relatively narrow, with a tendency to form a single channel with alternating gravel beaches. It is unusual for its steep grade and large size of its bed material, with a sudden transition along its lower reaches to accommodate the sea level control at its outlet (Williams, 1991).

The present river channel is now well entrenched. This gives rise to high banks that are hard to protect from flood damage. At the same time the natural response of the river is to actively mitigate its very narrow channel, with severe bank attack, and through the process of erosion and deposition move the whole channel sideways within the alluvial floodplain deposits (Williams, 1991).

10 Living with the River – HRFMP – Phase One Summary Report

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4.2 The Site Area

The Hutt River and its floodplain in this area are highly modified. Flood protection works have been carried out in and on the river and floodplain over much of the last century.

The main feature in terms of flood protection is the rivers change in channel gradient in the vicinity of the HGC. This gradient change is represented by a decreased channel width extending downstream from the change in grade for approximately 1.5 kilometres.

The floodplain is highly developed with residential development on both sides of the river. The river is also a receiving environment for discharges from various sources including smaller streams and culverts.

Between Kennedy Good Bridge and Mills Street the river is dominated by SH2 along the true right bank and open space areas including the Hutt and Boulcott Golf courses along the true left bank.

Transpower’s Melling Substation and the Safeway Storage site are located in the Hutt River corridor just north of Mills Street.

4.3 Designation Area

The site that GW is proposing to designate (shown on Figure 4.1) can generally be described as land located on the true left bank of the Hutt River between Kennedy Good Bridge and the end of Mills Street, Lower Hutt. The site includes land which will be directly affected the construction of the stopbank and associated works.

The designation follows the boundary of the HGC between Hathaway Avenue and Fairway Drive before it dog legs around the Kennedy Good Bridge southern road approach. It then crosses Harcourt Werry Drive and extends as far as the existing river bank. From this point the designation follows the true left bank of the Hutt River heading south for approximately 1.65 kilometres to just past the Safeway Storage site.

At Mills Street the designation heads east along the line of the existing stopbank behind Safeway Storage. The designation excludes the Transpower and Safeway Storage sites. A thin parcel of land owned by GW at the rear of 48-54 Mills Street and 55-57 Connolly Street, 59 Connolly Street, Connolly Street itself as far south as 53 Connolly Street and the former Rentokil Site are included in the designation area.

The designation then heads across Connolly Street following the line of the existing stopbank located in the BGC before heading north toward the existing BGC Clubrooms as far as 1 Boulcott Street. The designation then heads east along the rear of Boulcott School until it turns north to meet up with the southern boundary of the HGC (refer to Figure 4.1).

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 17 March 2010 Figure 4.1 All land to be designated

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 18 March 2010

4.4 Site Location

Within the designation a new and upgraded Boulcott Hutt stopbank will be constructed. The location of the proposed site and Boulcott Hutt stopbank is shown in Figure 4.2 below:

Figure 4.2: Site Location

The new and upgraded stopbank extends across four main sections (photos of each section are shown in Appendix 4). These are noted below, from downstream to upstream:

x Safeway Storage Section

This section runs between the end of Mills Street, an established residential area, and Connolly Street. This section includes 59 Connolly Street which was brought for flood protection purposes by GW in 2007. The upgraded stopbank will be constructed on land owned by GW.

Currently there is an existing stopbank along this section. It provides a nominal level of protection up to a 1 in 100 year flood event. Given its age and construction this section of stopbank could fail in flood events smaller than a 1 in 100 year event.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 19 March 2010

x Connolly Street Section

This section runs between the south western corner of the Safeway Storage site and the former Rentokil site located on the eastern side of Connolly Street. The Rentokil site is a 0.89 hectare parcel of land that GW purchased in 2000 for the purpose of flood protection. The site has been fenced off and is now vacant. The upgraded stopbank will be built on land owned by GW. The Connolly Street section of stopbank provides a nominal level of protection up to a 1 in 100 year flood event. Part of this stopbank adjoining the Connolly Street and Ariki Street private way started to leak and was repaired after the 1998 flood 1 in 25 year flood event.

x Boulcott Golf Course Section

This section includes the BGC land located to the north of the former Rentokil site between Harcourt Werry Drive and the adjoining residential area adjacent to Ariki and Boulcott Streets. The BGC is accessed via Boulcott Street.

The existing stopbank section which provides a nominal level of protection up to a 1 in 100 year flood event will be upgraded. The existing section of stopbank given its age and construction could fail in flood events smaller than a 1 in 100 year event.

x Hutt Golf Course Section

This section includes the HGC land and is located to the north of BGC between Harcourt Werry Drive and the adjoining residential areas adjacent to Military Road, Hathaway Avenue and Stellin Street. This section joins the existing stopbank at the northern end of the HGC which is high enough to contain the HRFMP recommended 2800 cumec flood event. The HGC is accessed off Military Road and Hathaway Avenue.

There is no stopbank between Hathaway Ave and Stellin Street. Parts of Hathaway Avenue start to get wet from events above a 1 in 10 year flood event. Ten properties on the western side of Hathaway Avenue were flooded during the 1998 and 2005 flood events.

The existing ground on the eastern side of Hathaway Avenue is high enough to contain a 1 in 100 year flood event. In larger flood events (above the 1 in 100 year flood event) the eastern side of Hathaway Avenue, surrounding residential areas, the Hutt Hospital and the Hutt City Centre would be flooded.

4.5 Surrounding Area

Land use in the immediate vicinity of the site is a mix of open space, recreation, light commercial/industrial (including Safeway Storage and Transpower’s Melling Substation) and residential areas.

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Located to the south and east of the existing and proposed Boulcott Hutt stopbank is the residential area of Lower Hutt, Boulcott School, the Hutt Hospital and the City Centre. The surrounding residential area is a mix of both older and more modern architectural styles and has an irregular pattern of building due to the shape of lots and existing road layout.

Running through the west of the site is Harcourt Werry Drive, a 70 km/h link road. This becomes Connolly Street near the corner with Safeway Storage where the speed zone drops to 50 km/h. Harcourt Werry Drive runs parallel with the Hutt River. The Hutt River Trail (used by walkers, runners and cyclists) is located between Harcourt Werry Drive and the Hutt River. Further to the west on the opposite bank of the Hutt River is State Highway 2.

To the north of the site are Fairway Drive and the Kennedy Good Bridge which passes over the Hutt River and is one of the links from Lower Hutt to the Western Hutt Road. Safeway Storage and Transpower’s Melling Substation are located off Harcourt Werry Drive to the west of the proposed stopbank both properties are within the Hutt River corridor11 and have taken private measures to mitigate against flood risks.

11 As defined in the Hutt City District Plan and HRFMP

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5 Nature/Detailed Description of the Proposed Works

5.1 Proposed Works

The proposed works which are the subject of this Notice of Requirement and resource consent application involve the following:

2) Upgrading the existing stopbank between Safeway Storage and Boulcott Street and any associated works.

3) Raising and realigning Connolly Street over the upgraded stopbank and any associated works, including removal of the house at 59 Connolly Street.

4) Constructing a small bund on the Hutt Golf Course along the boundary of the course and Harcourt Werry Drive.

5) Removal of the Boulcott clubrooms and green keepers shed.

6) Relocating, replacing and or upgrading stormwater drains, power cables, gas, telecom, sewer and water pipes, property access and associated infrastructure as necessary.

7) Diverting up to 280 cumecs of the Hutt River in a 2800 cumec flood event.

8) Discharge of stormwater from an area of earthworks greater than 0.3 ha.

9) Taking 250,000 litres per day of water from the Hutt River for use during construction.

10) Temporary extension of an existing stormwater outflow pipe adjacent to Transpower’s Melling Substation.

Gravel extracted from the Hutt River may be used to construct part of the stopbank. Gravel extraction would be carried out under Flood Protection’s existing resource consents WGN980255 and WGN060334 and does not form part of this application. The quantities, location and method of extraction are described in the relevant resource consent applications which were approved by Greater Wellington in October 1998 and October 2006 respectively. The relevant resource consents are attached in Appendix 1.

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5.1.1 Potential changes to the Proposed Works

The design of the works and proposed stopbank, described in this application and shown on the attached drawings (refer to Appendix 3). These works may be subject to change once the detailed design has been completed. Any changes will not however, change the scale or extent of the project, or materially change the nature of the anticipated environmental effects.

The areas affected are the:

x Final heights of stopbanks and landscaping through the HGC apart from the area adjacent to 22A Hathaway Ave x Final alignment to the north of the existing stopbank between 1 Boulcott Street and just south of 22A Hathaway Avenue. x Final location of the stopbank at the end of Boulcott Street. A distance of 20 metres has been provided between Boulcott Street and the stopbank to allow for a potential future road access. This distance could be reduced depending on the final width of the road.

5.2 Design Details

The stopbank is predominantly a compacted earth structure with a grass covering, along with numerous secondary elements such as pipes, roads and services and the addition of golf course features.

The stopbank materials consist of low-permeability weathered greywacke materials sourced from local quarries, river gravels and materials from the existing stopbanks.

No trees or buildings will be permitted on the stopbank core. The stopbank will be covered with grass. Outside the stopbank core golf features such as tees and greens will be incorporated.

The Boulcott clubrooms and green keepers shed will be removed. A 20 metre gap between the stopbank and Boulcott Street will be left for the merged club to access an area of land that will be on the city side of the new stopbank.

On completion of the stopbank public access will be provided over GW owned land and part of the BGC between Connolly Street and Boulcott Street. The proposed location of this access is on the stopbank crest level to Ariki Street. Between Ariki Street and Boulcott Street, access will be at the landward toe of the stopbank along the 1.5-2 m buffer strip.

5.2.1 Stopbank Cross Section

The HRFMP design standard stopbank cross section is a 4 metres wide crest and side slopes of 1 metre vertical to 3.5 metre horizontal. Two cross section profiles will be used for the Boulcott Hutt stopbank:

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 23 March 2010

x Standard cross section will be specified wherever the proposed footprint will not interfere with golf play (in limited areas this is modified with retaining walls where sufficient land is not available) ; and the

x Golf friendly cross section which is intended to blend into and enhance the golf course.

The standard cross section details, plans and design cross sections are shown on engineering drawings in Appendix 5.

The golf friendly concept was designed by Chris Pitman Golf Course Architecture (NZ) Ltd in consultation with the golf clubs and with input from GW.

The standard cross section features three distinct construction materials. Weathered greywacke used for the impervious zones sourced from local quarry overburden stockpiles; gravel material sourced from the Hutt River bed used for supporting the impervious zones and providing the bulk of the stopbank; and materials from the existing stopbanks.

5.2.2 Golf Friendly Stopbank Design (Golf Course Architecture)

Golf course architecture information is contained in the report by Chris Pitman attached in Appendix 612. GW has worked closely with the golf courses to produce a “golf friendly” stopbank design.

Input was also received for other aspects of the project including conceptual designs for various alignments, golf course management and business perspectives, identifying opportunities for golfing enhancement within the proposed stopbank project, and liaising with golf club administration to obtain their feedback.

The following features developed in consultation with HGC and BGC were considered as part of detailed design of the stopbank.

x Golfing should remain an enjoyable and safe experience following the incorporation of the proposed stopbank.

x “Blind play”, where the destination of a shot cannot be seen clearly from the hitting location, should be avoided13.

x Greens and tees should be incorporated into the golf-friendly stopbank to present golfing challenges and features which improve the overall quality of the golf course.

x Greens, tees, fairway landing areas, and other terrain in the field of play require certain minimum design gradients for play and maintenance.

12 Report included in the Phase 1 Feasibility Study. 13 Blindplay was agreed to by the BGC prior to the merger of the clubs

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x A natural looking landscape appearance is desired around and over the proposed stopbank.

x The stopbank core should remain unaffected by golf friendly features.

A final layout plan (refer Appendix 7) is being developed by GW for the proposed layout of the merged course and is based on the above features. The development of a final layout plan will enable agreements to be reached with the Merger Board on access to the golf course land and the construction timing sequence.

5.2.3 Detailed Stopbank Design

A detailed description of the proposed stopbank design components for each section of stopbank follows:

x Safeway Storage Section

The upgraded stopbank merges with the existing stopbank formation at the river end of the Safeway Storage site.

The standard cross section for Hutt River stopbanks will be used where possible. Alongside Safeway Storage the available stopbank footprint width is confined by the residential property boundaries and the walls of the storage facility. For a distance of about 80 metres the stopbank toe will be supported by retaining walls adjacent to the existing Safeway Storage walls. The landward side of the stopbank will extend into a small strip of GW owned land behind 4 Mills Street properties, 55 and 57 Connolly Street and will also be supported by a small retaining wall for a distance of 40 metres. The maximum height of these retaining walls will be 1.5 metres. At 59 Connolly Street the standard stopbank design will extend over most of the property; the existing dwelling will be removed to facilitate this.

x Connolly Street Section

The upgraded stopbank merges with a realigned Connolly Street and a new stopbank through this section. To accommodate the new stopbank height the crest of the stopbank, and the road, will move 80 metres to the north and also be located on the former Rentokil site. The road height at the existing stopbank will remain unchanged as will the existing retaining wall and slip road on the southern side of Connolly Street.

Connolly Street will be moved to the east onto the former Rentokil site to provide access to both Safeway Storage and Transpower’s Melling Substation. A low floodwall along Connolly Street will connect the stopbank crest from Safeway Storage to the former Rentokil site. A number of large pine trees on the BGC boundary will be removed.

The footpath outside 59 Connolly Street will be raised to go over the raised stopbank by building a retaining wall to support the new footpath.

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Stormwater from the road will be collected in sumps and discharged into the existing stormwater network.

On the southern side of Connolly Street no changes are required to entry or exits and the slipway access and existing retaining walls will be unchanged. A new crib wall will be required for about 20 metres at the corner of the existing road retaining wall and stopbank along the private way between Connolly Street and Ariki Street.

The remainder of the upgraded stopbank through this section will be a standard stopbank construction with a small buffer strip between the toe of the stopbank and the residential property boundary this will generally be fenced. Refer to Appendix 8 Boulcott Hutt Stopbank and Typical Section: Connolly Street Alignment Altered Stopbank and Road Plan, October 2009.

The re aligned road over the new crest of the stopbank has been designed to suit the speed environment and to provide a safe rise and fall for vehicles and pedestrians. Site lines and road geometry has been designed to New Zealand traffic safety standards and has meant that the road ramp is spread out longer on both sides of the crest.

x Boulcott Golf Course Section

The standard cross section for Hutt River stopbanks will be used through this section of stopbank. The golf course side of the stopbank may have tees and greens incorporated but without being placed directly over the stopbank core. Limited landscaping works will be undertaken to incorporate the stopbank into the golf course.

The BGC club house, green keepers shed, parking area, driveway access from Boulcott Street and a number of large trees will be removed from the BGC as they are located along the stopbank footprint.

BGC has asked GW to provide a 20 metre gap between the existing roadway and the proposed stopbank at Boulcott Street. BGC have stated they may wish to include street access from Boulcott Street to a potential land development. If 20 metres is not required for a road then the proposed stopbank may be moved closer to Boulcott Street (refer Appendix 9).

The existing storm water pipe from Ariki Street which extends as far as the open drain adjacent to Transpower’s Melling Substation will be upsized from 350 mm to 750 mm diameter as part of HCC’s associated stormwater upgrades. A flood gate and penstock will be installed to prevent backflows. An existing stormwater outlet to the Hutt River will need to be temporarily extended to enable vehicle access behind Transpower’s Melling Substation.

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Stormwater runoff from the earthworks will be controlled on site by the used of silt fences where appropriate along the length of the stopbank (refer Appendix 3).

A 1.5-2.0 metre buffer strip will be maintained between the toe of the upgraded stopbank and residential boundaries. The buffer strip will generally be fenced.

x Hutt Golf Course Section

. The golf friendly cross section for stopbanks will be used through this section of new stopbank. The compacted low permeability zone will become a core with further earthworks materials spread and placed on top to form the golf course landscape finishing.

This overlaying zone of earthworks will be sourced from the Hutt River or further sourced from local quarries, depending upon cost. Topsoil sourced from stockpiles onsite will be spread over the earthworks surface and sown with grass seed to the specifications advised by the HGC. Golf course greens and tees affected by the stopbank will be inserted into the stopbank earthworks according to the layout and specifications agreed with the HGC. Specialist golf course design advice has been sort for the reinstatement of the greens and tees throughout the design process.

The location of the stopbank at Hathaway Avenue is shown in Appendix 9.

The new stopbank follows the high ground around the existing HGC clubhouse and then crosses the existing 17th, 16th, 15th, and 11th fairways to the boundary near Stellin Street. It then follows the boundary until it reaches high ground and is less than a metre high. It is intended the stopbank will look like a landscaping mound which will also meet the design stopbank crest level.

During construction, a number of greens and tees will be temporarily relocated to allow the merged club to function primarily on the existing HGC.

The existing 750 mm overflow pipe into the Illot Pond would be upsized to a 1200 mm diameter and a back flow prevention valve provided. At present, the Illot Pond drains 12 hectares of suburban land into engineered soakage pits, and this would continue following the construction of the new stopbank. Additional soak pits would be provided on the golf course side of the proposed stopbank. Stormwater runoff from the earthworks will be controlled on site by the used of silt fences where appropriate along the length of the stopbank.

The existing 300 mm diameter pipe at Hathaway Avenue currently discharging into soak pits located in HGC would be upsized to 675 mm diameter and would be drained to new soak pits located on the HGC side of the stopbank. A flood gate and a penstock would be installed to prevent backflow.

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HGC are yet to decide how long they will continue to operate from their existing Military Road clubrooms. The existing access to the professionals shop will be slightly affected by the stopbank and the access will be reinstated in conjunction with the merged club.

5.2.4 Associated Works

Associated components of the stopbank construction include:

x Ariki Street, and Boulcott Street, Connolly Street and the Safeway Section power cables. These 33 kV and 11 kV cables cross the existing stopbank between Safeway Storage and Boulcott Street. These cables would be treated in consultation with their owner Wellington Electricity Lines Limited. Where necessary ducts would be provided below the surface of the stopbank to relocate these cables when they are ready for replacement.

x Where required the existing stormwater and sewer mains in the affected area of Connolly Street will be upgraded or renewed as part of the stopbank upgrade. This includes other utilities in the road structure like power, water supply, gas and telecommunications.

x Where required silt fences will be used to prevent sediment laden stormwater runoff from the areas of earthworks being undertaken.

x Access points would be established by the earthworks contractor to allow the transport of earthworks materials on to the site. These points are likely to be via Connolly Street near Transpower’s Melling Substation from Harcourt Werry Drive onto the existing BGC, HGC and off Military Road, Kingston Street, Allen Street or Stellin Street. Access will also be provided behind the Melling Substation to the Safeway section of stopbank.

x A bund will be placed along the existing HGC boundary with Harcourt Werry Drive. This bund will be built to observed 1998 flood levels to protect the existing HGC from overflow damage from similar sized floods to the 1998 flood event. The structure will consist of low permeability material to be compacted and grassed.

5.2.5 Stopbank Crest Levels

The stopbank crest levels are based on a 1 in 2800 year flood event in the Hutt River which conforms to the design standards described in the HRFMP. These levels are shown in Table 1.

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Table 1: Proposed Stopbank Crest Levels

River Cross Section Preferred Alignment Approx. Height of Design Crest Level (m Stopbank in Metres RL) above existing ground

640 12.26 No stopbank

630 12.24 0.2

620 12.22 0.22

610 12.20 0.62

600 12.16 1.58

590 12.16 2.30

580 12.14 2.96

570 12.09 2.89

560 11.99 3.57

550 11.95 3.35

540 11.94 2.94

530 11.94 3.59

520 11.92 3.90

510 11.68 3.48

500 11.22 3.02

5.3 Technical Investigations

Technical investigations to determine a preferred alignment for the Boulcott Hutt stopbank were undertaken by consultants in conjunctions with GW. Between 2006 and 2008 a broad range of alignment options were investigated. In Phase 1 alignment options ranged from the residential boundary of the golf courses to the riverside boundary of Safeway Storage. A preferred alignment was recommended through this Phase of the feasibility study. This alignment generally followed the existing alignment to Connolly Street through the BGC to the HGC boundary and then followed the residential boundary along the HGC.

The Phase 2 recommended alignment was further refined through Phase 3 in consultation with BGC to enable play over the new stopbank in the BGC.

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During 2009, following the decision to merge the two golf clubs, changes to the stopbank location have been made to accommodate, where feasible, the change in playing orientation and requirements of the merged club. The merged club does not intend to play over the stopbank through the existing BGC.

A Summary Report of the feasibility investigations was completed in December 200814. Opus International Consultants have developed the detailed design for the Boulcott Hutt stopbank and their findings have been included in this application where appropriate.

5.3.1 River and Floodplain Hydraulic Modelling

The HRFMP identifies the design standard which GW has used to undertake river and hydraulic modelling for the design of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank (refer Section 2.1.1). As the Boulcott Hutt stopbank protects major strategic, city centre and residential assets located on the floodplain the stopbank will be constructed to contain a 2800 cumec flood event in the Hutt River. This forms the basis of all the modelling work undertaken.

The crest levels were determined from the peak water level profile computed from the hydraulic model. The crest levels for the stopbank are shown in Table 1. The crest levels include allowances to account for wave effects, river bed movements and model approximations.

The model shows that the flood levels upstream of KGB will not be increased by the proposed stopbank alignment. Downstream effect of increased floodwater in the river channel due to the removal of flood overflows through Hathaway Avenue is negligible. Downstream stopbank upgrades are designed to contain the full 2800 cumec river flow. Note this will only be the case when the entire Hutt River flood protection scheme is completed.

5.3.2 River Geomorphology

On the basis of the work completed in the Phase 1-3 Feasibility Study the stopbank should be located outside the 80 metre wide alluvial erosion area of the Hutt River as defined in the HRFMP. The alluvial erosion area provides a buffer zone within which GW can manage channel bank erosion over the long term. The stopbank would not have a significant effect on the Hutt River channel bed management and maintenance costs over time. As a general rule the further away the stopbank is from the river bank the more sustainable the stopbank flood defence is in the long term because of the reduced erosion risk and the reduced height of the stopbank.

x Proposed River Works As a result of detailed analysis, some sections of the adjacent reach of the existing Hutt River channel alignment were identified as sub-optimal and channel refinements were designed and analysed in the Mike21 floodplain hydraulics software. The River Hydraulics Report is included in Appendix B,

14 Reference Number 8

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Phase 2 Feasibility Study15. A positive outcome of the river channel analysis included a lowering of stopbank crest levels along the whole Boulcott Hutt stopbank reach, for all stopbank alignment options under consideration. These reduced crest levels have been incorporated into the design of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank.

Further investigations involving channel improvements below the Boulcott reach through to Melling Bridge have indicated significant benefits including lowering of flow velocities, improving the waterway capacity of the existing Melling Bridge and lowering the stopbank design crest levels through the City Centre reach. As well as the improvements to the waterway capacity the height of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank was able to be reduced by 200-300 mm.

Detailed design and resource consents for the proposed channel improvement works from the Kennedy Good Bridge to the Ewen Bridge will commence in 2012 nearing the completion of this project. The channel improvements are scheduled to be completed by 2019.

5.3.3 Security and Maintenance

Security and maintenance of the Hutt River flood protection scheme is a critical factor in the specification and the long term performance of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank. Factors that have been considered in the design of the stopbank include river hydraulics and geomorphology, the location and the size of the stopbank cross section, utilities locations, and foundations.

5.3.4 Geotechnical Investigation

A preliminary geotechnical investigation was carried out across the floodplain to obtain an indication of the ground conditions under all of the potential alignments. Seven hand augur boreholes were dug and logged over the two golf courses and scalar penetrometer tests were carried out beside each augur hole site. The tests showed gravels are present over much of the golf courses at a depth of less than 500 mm, with one area indicating a silt layer up to 1.2 m deep.

Further geotechnical investigations were carried out along the proposed stopbank as part of the detailed design. These included 24 trial pits, 10 scala penetrometer tests and 3 bore holes (5 metre deep). Information from these investigations will be used for the detailed design of the stopbank along the preferred alignment.

5.3.5 Field Survey Check

A topographic survey along the stopbank footprint and a boundary survey at selected locations has been carried out as part of the detailed design for the NOR and resource consent applications. The crest levels of the stopbank and the offset from residential boundaries will be set on the basis of surveyed information.

15 Reference Number 12

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Feasibility designs were carried out using LiDAR survey data. Eight sections of golf course spread have been surveyed to confirm topography and reduce the error in the LiDAR data from +or- 150 mm down to +or- 30 mm. Field survey data has been used to confirm the crest levels of the proposed stopbank next to house boundaries, to assist in presenting accurate cross section drawings for consultation purposes and to determine volume estimates.

5.3.6 Roading Design

Connolly Street is the only road significantly affected by the Boulcott Hutt stopbank. The upgraded stopbank will have a crest level about 1.7 metres above the existing road level at the stopbank crossing. The road has to be raised and realigned to pass over the upgraded stopbank and to provide access to both Safeway Storage and Transpower’s Melling Substation. The horizontal alignment of the proposed road has also been refined as the detailed design and consultation process has progressed. The proposed roading layout utilises the two sites purchased by GW at 59 Connolly Street and the former Rentokil site to reduce as far as possible any adverse effects on the surrounding properties.

Two of three options were investigated for the road realignment involved extending the slip road and raising driveways to properties south of the crossing. The preferred option involves shifting the stopbank crest, high point on the road, about 80 metres to the north east and realigning to enable access to be maintained to the Transpower’s Melling Substation and Safeway Storage site.

This will mean there will be no changes to the existing location of Connolly Street to the south of the existing stopbank crest and therefore no changes to residential driveways and or the heights of the existing retaining wall adjacent to 48-54 Connolly Street. HCC have been consulted about the proposed changes and have agreed with them.

The proposed Connolly Street road design will include vehicle access modifications at the Transpower’s Melling substation and Safeway Storage property only.

5.3.7 Utilities and Underground Services

The stopbank will affect services in the general vicinity these are outlined in Appendix 10.

A number of utility companies have infrastructure that will be affected by the stopbank. GW consultants have spoken to the following affected organisations:

x Telstra Clear x Telecom x Wellington Electricity Lines Limited (WELL) x Transpower x Capacity

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x Hutt City Council x Powerco

The treatment procedure for each 11 kVand 33 kV cable crossing the proposed stopbank has been discussed and agreed with WELL.

Urban stormwater services into and through the golf courses will be affected by the stopbank. The appropriate method of urban stormwater disposal in the area will be part of the detailed stopbank design, including floodgates and pump stations. As part of HCC’s stormwater upgrade programme, stormwater pipes under the stopbank will be upsized during construction of the stopbank.

Other services will be affected by the Connolly Street road realignment near Safeway Storage (61 Connolly Street) including water supply, telecommunications cabling, gas supply, sewerage and local power supply cabling. These services are generally sized for local neighbourhood supply and will be well understood by contractors and design engineers in terms of costs and relocation or replacement based on typical pipe infrastructure projects commonly undertaken in the urban/roading environment. In general, the service will be located, renewed, relocated and proofed against water seepage through the stopbank structure.

5.4 Stopbank Profile

The proposed stopbank will generally have a profile of a 4 metre crest width and 3.5:1 batters. In the Safeway Storage section, where the stopbank has to be built in a narrow strip of land, the toe of the stopbank will be supported by retaining walls.

In the Boulcott and Hutt sections the stopbank will incorporate golf course features such as greens and tees. Greens and tees will be incorporated by offsetting these to the side of the stopbank separated from the core of the stopbank profile of a 4 metre crest and 3.5:1 batters.

A minimum of a 1.5 to 2 metre wide buffer strip will be maintained along the residential boundary except for the stopbank through the Safeway section. In the Boulcott and Hutt sections of stopbank the stopbank core will either be purchased or an easement granted to GW to protect the stopbank from potential adverse effects arising from future golfing improvements works. This will also include a five metre buffer strip where golf course features are located on both sides of the stopbank.

5.4.1 Cross section

The proposed stopbank will be a well compacted zoned fill earthen embankment formed with silty gravels from the Hutt River and low permeability, partially weathered greywacke soils.

The stopbank footprint will be generally stripped by about 300 mm and the stopbank core will be formed using well graded silty gravels extracted from

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selected areas of the Hutt River bed extending from Kennedy Good Bridge to Ewen Bridge. The riverside face of the stopbank will be formed by a layer of low permeability partially weathered greywacke soils imported from local quarries. Low permeability materials will also be used where necessary for foundation treatment.

Golf course features will be incorporated outside the core stopbank profile using river gravels. All completed earthworks will be top soiled to a minimum compacted thickness of 75 mm and grassed.

5.5 Material requirements

A total of about 110,000 m3 of fill materials will be required for the construction of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank and the associated works. This will generally consist of 87,000 m3 of river gravels from the Hutt River, 21,000 m3 of partially weathered greywacke soils from local quarries and about 2,000 m3 of selected materials from the existing stopbanks.

GW plans to remove about 350,000 m3 of river gravels from the Hutt River in the reach from Belmont to Ava during the next 5 years. The required 87,000 m3 of river gravels will be sourced from the KGB to Ewen reach of the Hutt River. The low permeable materials, about 21,000 m3, partially weathered greywacke are generally sourced from local quarries. Other selected materials from excavations complying with the required gradings could replace quarry strippings.

5.6 Construction Methodology

The works consists of realignment, or reshaping the existing stopbanks and raising the crest levels or constructing a new stopbank where one currently does not exist. The nominal design standard for the new works is the 2,300 cumec flood (1 in 440 year return period flood event) with the stopbank constructed to contain a 2,800 cumec flood.

During the construction the current level of flood security will be maintained at all times.

For ease of description the works have been divided into five sections:

x Safeway Section x Connolly Street x Boulcott Section x Hutt Section x Low Bund

5.6.1 Construction General

The stopbank construction will be completed over a period of 3 years commencing from 2010/11. Some of the works are very weather dependant

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and can only proceed in a limited way during the winter e.g. placing quarry strippings during the winter is generally not possible.

Placing gravel from the river is not so weather sensitive and can continue year round except that river excavations in flowing water are not permitted during fish spawning period of 31 May to 15 September. The main construction activity will take place during the months of October to April. In reality it is likely that some of the works will go on concurrently.

The proposed construction sequence is:

Year one (2010/11): Stopbank and associated works from Connolly Street to the 17th hole in the Hutt course and the low bund.

Year two (2011/12): Stopbank from the 17th hole in the Hutt course to the northern end, Connolly Street realignment and the Safeway section of the stopbank

Year three (2012/13): Continue with the Safeway section of the stopbank and maintenance and tiding up works.

Appendix 3 includes the overall Outline Plan and Year 1-3 construction sequence.

Generally the construction methodology for all sections will be as follows:

x Set up site office and earthmoving plant compound.

x Survey and set out the alignment and width of the affected working areas.

x Locate and mark any services.

x Submit traffic management plans to HCC for approval prior to the start of any site works.

x Sediment control plans will be submitted to GW for approval, if required

x Obtain Transpower approval to provide a construction access road within the Transmission Line corridor required during the 2nd and 3rd year of construction.

x Confirm golf playing sequences with the merged golf club before commencing the first and second year construction.

x Construct any temporary accesses for the public. In some areas access will be rearranged as the work progresses and in others access will be closed for the period of construction. Where possible alternate routes will be provided.

x Install temporary site fences to define the areas as construction zones.

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x Erect warning signs around the perimeter of the site.

x Install traffic lights at the main earthmoving crossing point for Harcourt Werry Drive.

x Remove grass and topsoil to stockpile.

x Remove trees and shrubs. Branches and logs will be chipped and some retained for landscaping works. (Unfortunately some trees have nails driven into the trunk making them unsuitable for milling).

x Install sediment control measures.

x Excavate and shape foundations to the required levels and proof roll.

x Commence river gravel extraction - cart, place and compact into the stopbank body or road formation.

x Cart from a local quarry site using road trucks, “quarry strippings” and place and compact to form the stopbank river face.

x Progressively excavate existing stopbank material to the new stopbank profile while maintaining flood security.

x Stopbank material will be laid down in 200-300 mm thick layers at optimum moisture content and compacted to 95-98 % of maximum density.

x Dust will be controlled by using water carts filled from the Hutt River. [Work will cease temporarily adjoining residential boundaries if high winds are likely to make dust a nuisance to residents].

x Topsoil and hydro seed stopbanks and disturbed temporary works areas.

x Install 1.8m high golf ball fences along the road/golf club boundary where required.

x Landscape and plant out.

5.6.2 Construction Fill

The main construction material for the permanent works, low permeability quarry strippings (approximately 60,000 m3 equivalent to about 5,000 truck and trailer loads), will be sourced from local quarries. Some of this material will be used for temporary stopbanks to maintain the flood security while breaches are made in the existing stopbanks to install upgraded stormwater culverts and other services. On completion of the temporary work the material will be incorporated into the new stopbank.

River gravel (approximately 50,000 m3 plus approximately 3,000 m3 for temporary works which together is equivalent to about 4,420 dump truck loads)

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will be extracted from the Hutt River (under GWs existing resource consent WGN 980254[01] and [06]).

Other significant materials for permanent works are road basecourse and drainage material used in altering the services which will also be sourced from local quarries.

Material will also be required for temporary works to enable the construction to proceed. These will consist of temporary access roads, plant compounds. A large number of concrete pipes will be used for upsizing the existing stormwater pipes.

In general materials shall be brought to site from the north along SH2 and not through the city centre.

5.6.3 Year 1: Stopbank construction from Connolly Street to the 17th hole in the Hutt course and the low bund

This section includes the stopbank located within the BGC and runs from Connolly Street to the 17th hole in the HGC. The existing stopbank will be partially incorporated into the new stopbank. The existing BGC clubrooms and other facilities will be removed off site and the services sealed off. Building consents will be obtained for this work. The stopbank at the end of Boulcott Street will be shifted into the golf course to provide access to the area between the stopbank and the Hathaway Avenue properties.

An area adjacent to Transpower’s Melling Substation and an area in the BGC will be provided for the contractor’s site office, materials storage and for the earth moving plant compound.

A construction access road (haul road) across the BGC will be constructed from Harcourt Werry Drive to the 2nd green of the BGC keeping away from areas allocated for play during the first year of construction. Where necessary, a haul road will be constructed along the toe of the new stopbank to access both ends of this section. At Harcourt Werry Drive the access will be controlled by traffic lights for both construction and road traffic. In addition a temporary reduction in the speed zone to 50 km/h will be sort for the construction period. Construction plant will cross Harcourt Werry Drive at this point to access the river gravel (23,500 m3). Trucks carrying other materials such as Quarry Strippings (39,300 m3) will also access the site at this point.

At the Ariki Street corner the stormwater outlet pipes to the Hutt River will be upsized and realigned behind a temporary coffer dam. A new penstock manhole will be constructed adjacent to the footpath. Power supply cuts to adjacent properties will be required to enable cranes to work in close proximity to the power lines. A flap gate manhole will be constructed at the riverside toe of the new stopbank. At the same time ducts will be provided on the surface of the stopbank to relocate 2, 33 kV and 2, 11 kV high voltage electric cables.

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New stormwater toe drains will be constructed along the landside toe of the stopbank from Boulcott to Ariki Streets and to the west. These drains will discharge into the new penstock manhole.

A new culvert is to be constructed to replace the existing overflow from the Illot pond which passes through an existing stopbank. In order to maintain flood security the upsized culvert will be constructed behind a temporary cofferdam. The inlet penstock will be housed on the inlet headwall and the flap gate on the outlet will be housed in a manhole. Stormwater will discharge into a series of seepage pits located on the river side of the stopbank.

At the BGC/HGC boundary the Hathaway Avenue stormwater culvert will pass under the new stopbank with a penstock located in a manhole on the landside and a flap gate manhole on the river side. There is no existing stopbank at this location so a temporary cofferdam is not required. The stormwater will discharge into a series of soakage pits located on the river side of the stopbank and well outside the stopbank footprint.

On completion of the construction works, the contractor’s compound and the haul roads within the golf course will be removed and the surfaces and golf course features will be reinstated.

x Low Bund

The low flood bund has an average height 0.9 metres and runs for 920 metres along the Harcourt Werry Drive boundary with the HGC. The bund will be constructed using quarry strippings (4,100 m3). The existing 1.8 metre high boundary fence will remain and the existing vegetation of trees and shrubs within bund footprint removed.

Access for construction will be off Harcourt Werry Drive using two existing entrances. Removal of the vegetation will give clear sight lines. At times of frequent material delivery, traffic will be controlled manually. In addition, a temporary reduction in the speed zone to 50 km/h will be sort for the construction period. Deliveries of the quarry strippings to site are expected to be carried out in less than two months.

As the formation of the low bund is completed the slopes will be top soiled and hydro seeded.

5.6.4 Year 2: Stopbank from the 17th hole in the Hutt course to the northern end, Connolly Street realignment and the Safeway section

x Stopbank from the 17th hole to the northern end

The material requirement for this section of the stopbank is 11,750 m3 of quarry strippings and 5,200 m3 of river gravel altogether equivalent to about 1,400 truck loads. Access for construction is possible from Military Road Stellin, Kingston and Allen Streets. The reason for choosing four potential access points is to reduce the impact on both adjoining residents and the HGC. Given the residential nature of these streets appropriate traffic management

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methods would be incorporated into the traffic management plan submitted to HCC prior to starting construction.

Earthworks volumes are also considerably smaller for this section when compared to the southern section of the stopbank. HGC has allocated an area south of 11th tee for the contractor’s site office, materials storage and for the earth moving plant compound. This area will be cleared and reinstated once the construction works are complete. Access to the contractor’s compound will be from Allen Street.

On completion of the construction works, the contractor’s compound and the haul roads will be removed and surfaces and features will be reinstated.

x Safeway and Connolly Street

This section includes the Safeway section of the stopbank and the Connolly Street realignment. The area adjacent to the Transpower’s Melling Substation will be used for the contractor’s compound during this construction.

Safeway

The section of stopbank described as the Safeway Section runs along the southern boundary of the Safeway Storage Ltd. The existing stopbank is too low and needs to be raised by approximately 1.7 metres to meet the new design standard. To accommodate the raising, a concrete retaining wall up to a 1m high will be required along the Safeway Storage boundary and a similar retaining wall up to 1.4 metres high over part of the southern boundary. The retaining walls will be constructed first followed by the placement of river gravel and quarry strippings. 33 kV cables in the existing stopbank will remain with some additional covering using concrete slabs at critical locations.

This section involves 5,500 m3 of earthworks including 3,000 m3 of quarry strippings and 2,500 m3 of gravel.

To accommodate the raised stopbank batters the house at 59 Connolly Street will be removed and the services sealed. A separate building consent for removal of the house will be obtained.

The existing stopbank concrete pedestrian access path will be diverted to the Hutt River Trail during construction. On completion the path will be replaced on the raised stopbank crest and join the rerouted path at Connolly St.

Access to this site will be via a temporary access road from Harcourt Werry Drive constructed along the riverbank behind the Melling Substation and Safeway Storage sites. The existing culvert at the Melling Sub-station will be extended to the river and provision will be made to separate the Hutt River Trail from the access road using a safety netting fence. Limited truck access will also be available from Connolly Street.

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Connolly Street

Connolly St crosses the existing stopbank and in order to raise the stopbank, Connolly St will also have to be raised. The raising and realignment require the following services to be altered: x 60 metre length of sewer pipe and three manholes, x New sumps, collector pipe and culvert for stormwater, x Water supply raised and replaced with stronger pipe. x Communication ducts replaced, x 11 kV and 33 kV high voltage cables to be rerouted and replaced, x Street lights to be relocated and wooden pole mounted lights replaced with ones matching the others. x Aerial low voltage cables and communication cables to be replaced with underground cables, x Gas pipeline rerouted. Some short duration power outages while cables are connected and disconnected will affect adjacent properties.

Connolly Street south of the existing stopbank will remain unchanged except for the western footpath which will be ramped up at a grade of 1 metre vertical to 12 metres in height to meet the new stopbank crest. From the existing stopbank the street will rise at the same grade to crest at the stopbank level and then run down to Harcourt Werry Drive. The roads horizontal alignment has been moved to the east to provide truck access to the Safeway Storage and Transpower’s Melling Substation.

The road raising will require approximately 11,700 m3 of mostly gravel fill to be placed on the new road alignment. Parts of the existing road will remain and act as access to the Safeway Storage and Transpower’s Melling Substation. Construction of the Connolly Street services upgrades and relocations, the placement of fill to raise the road and the construction of concrete retaining walls and floodwall will require traffic control over approximately a 400 metre section of road. This will be managed by automatically operated traffic lights with manual operation and the use of paddle men at times. Where possible deviations will be constructed to facilitate traffic passage through the site and avoid delays.

A floodwall incorporating a footpath extends from the existing stopbank to the raised road crest on the western side of the road. The eastern crib block wall supporting the road is to be extended 20 metres along the private access boundary to retain the road fill due to the change in horizontal alignment.

5.6.5 Year 3: Continuation of Safeway and Connolly Street works and tiding up works

The main construction works programmed for this year will be the continuation of Safeway and Connolly Street realignment works with access from Harcourt

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Werry Drive and the river berm. Any maintenance and tidying up works in the golf course will be completed during this year. The entire project is scheduled for completion by June 2013.

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6 Assessment of Environmental Effects

Section 104 of the RMA states that, subject to Part II, when considering an application for resource consent the consent authority shall have regard to:

- the actual and potential effects on the environment of allowing the activity - any relevant national policy statement - any relevant regional policy statement or plan or proposed plan - any relevant district plan objectives, policies and rules or proposed plan - any other matters the consent authority considers relevant to a determination of the application.

The Assessment of Effects is considered below. The remaining matters, including Part II, are assessed in Section 7.

6.1 Effects

The proposed stopbank and associated works have been considered below in terms of their potential environmental effects in particular:

- landscape and visual effects - recreation and public access - community and surrounding land uses - construction effects -iwi values - flood protection

These effects have been identified by examining relevant literature, previous resource consent applications, discussions with Flood Protection staff, consultation with residents and both golf clubs and Iwi.

6.2 Landscape and Visual Effects

6.2.1 Existing Environment

The floodplain in this area is highly modified. Flood protection works have been carried out in and on the river and floodplain over much of the last century.

The floodplain is highly developed with residential development on both sides of the river. Between Kennedy Good Bridge and Mills Street the river is dominated by State Highway Two along the true right bank and Harcourt Werry Drive on its true left bank. The Hutt and Boulcott Golf courses provide a significant green corridor and visual buffer between the river and the residential areas of central Lower Hutt. The existing stopbanks are generally set some distance back from the river although there remains a gap in the stopbank in the vicinity of Hathaway Avenue. Where there are existing stopbanks residential properties tend to be located hard up against them.

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Where there is no stopbank residents tend to enjoy wide attractive views of the Hutt Golf Course.

6.2.2 Effects of the Proposed Stopbank construction and Associated Works

During construction, heavy machinery would be an additional feature in the landscape, particularly to local residents, golfers and users of the river. These effects would be managed in terms of the timing and construction sequence to cause the least disruption.

In the long-term there would be little or no significant change to the landscape as a result of the proposed works.

The proposed stopbank will vary in height in accordance with the undulating ground level. At its lowest the stopbank will be approximately 1 m above ground level, while at its highest it will rise up to 4 m in height. This height difference will be more evident in the sections where the existing stopbank is being upgraded. Where there is no existing stopbank the proposed stopbank will largely be integrated into the golf courses. The adjoining residents are further enough away as to not be adversely affected apart from the three properties between 18-22A Hathaway Avenue who at a minimum distance of 10 metres are the closest existing properties to the proposed stopbank.

The total length of the stopbank is 1.8 km with a varying footprint of between six and 32 metres and a 4.0 m crest. Views of the stopbank will be more prominent for neighbouring properties than from public vantage points. Due to the combined effect of its location through two private golf courses there are few points apart from at Ariki Street and Boulcott Street where unobscured portions of the stopbank would be visible.

The stopbank is to be grassed as soon as is practical after completion, which would significantly reduce its prominence and visually integrate it into the golf courses.

The new stopbank will be a distinctive change to the existing golf course topography. In the long term the stopbank would not significantly change the landscape character of the golf courses. Golfing use of the area will remain at the completion of the project. Where the existing stopbank is being upgraded the landscape remains largely unchanged apart from the removal of existing trees.

A low level bund is proposed along the western boundary of the HGC boundary adjacent to Harcourt Werry Drive. A fence and established trees currently screen HGC from the road.

The main effects of the low level bund will be a visual impact along the HGC section of Harcourt Werry Drive. As few as possible of the established trees will be removed to allow the bund to be constructed. The bund will be approximately 2.0 m high in places. With most of the trees remaining or gradually replaced this is unlikely to be visually obtrusive to vehicles travelling along this section of road or golf course users.

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The main positive effect of the bund will be to reduce the frequency of flood damage and sediment deposits on the HGC grounds from flood water during minor to moderate flood events in the Hutt River.

6.2.2 Proposed Mitigation

Given that the site is already highly modified, the upgraded and new stopbank, associated realignment of Connolly Street and other associated works will have, in the long-term, less than minor adverse effects on the existing landscape and visual appearance of the area.

Taking into account the proposed mitigation measures there will be no long term adverse effects on the landscape in the area.

6.3 Recreation and Public Access

6.3.1 Existing Environment

The general area is popular with walkers, bikers and joggers. The Hutt River Trail, (a track going from the river mouth up to Birchville), is located on both sides of the river and is extremely well used. The existing stopbank between Connolly Street and Boulcott Street also provides informal pedestrian and biking links for the local community between the Hutt River and Ariki and Boulcott Streets.

Environmental Investigations16 (compiled in 1990 for preparation of the HRFMP) found that recreation activities such as walking, running, cycling and dog-walking were significant recreation activities in the general area).

Although no in-depth surveys have been carried out for the Boulcott Hutt Stopbank project, anecdotal observations, consultation undertaken by GW for this consent and survey work undertaken for other related projects provide a fairly good indication that the above activities remain popular17.

The BGC and HGC are also two large areas provided for private recreation.

6.3.2 Effects of the Proposed Works

Recreational access from Harcourt Werry Drive to the river, the Hutt River Trail along Harcourt Werry Drive, and the stopbank will be disrupted during the construction period.

Golfers using the BGC and HGC will also face some disruption during the construction period for the stopbank. Public access along the existing stopbank from Connolly Street to the Boulcott Street will also be affected in the short term.

16 HRFCSR, Phase 1 – Environmental Investigations – Recreation and Sport Component

17 Reference 17 Hutt River Trail User Survey Kennedy Good to Ewen Bridges - March 2010

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The general public will be encouraged to use the Hutt River Trail north of Harcourt Werry Drive for recreational use. Provision will be made for continued public access between Connolly Street and Boulcott Street. Public access would be restricted over privately owned (HGC) land. Access will be restricted to members of the respective clubs.

Access and use of the Hutt River itself will also be affected by extraction activities and vehicles. Use of the river channel for activities such as canoeing will be restricted during extraction although most of the work will be undertaken during week days. Access to individual beaches will also be affected as users would likely come into conflict with heavy machinery and trucks entering and exiting the site. Use of beaches by anglers will be affected by a lack of access to beaches during excavation and potentially discolouration due to upstream works18.

The long-term effects on recreational activities associated with the proposal are positive. The upgraded stopbank would allow GW to formalise the existing public access between Connolly and Boulcott Streets. In the long term this should help to promote walking and cycling links and in turn increasing the perceived recreational values of this part of the city.

6.3.3 Proposed Mitigation

Loss of access to the river will be minimised. Where there will be temporary access restrictions, signs will be put in place advising river users of machinery working in the river. If there are specific groups who use the river on a regular basis GW will advise these groups in advance. For example Boulcott School who use an area of the river berm for sports events and the stopbank for access to and from the school. Otherwise, press releases, notices on GWs website and articles in “Our Region” will be used to communicate information to the general public.

Signs and detours around works sites will also be used to restrict access to work areas during construction.

6.4 Neighbouring Community and Surrounding Land uses

6.4.1 Existing Environment

The neighbouring community consists primarily of a mix of well established residential development and communities facilities including the Hutt Hospital, several local schools, childcare facilities, tennis clubs, retirement homes and some commercial properties. The Hutt City centre is located further to the south.

Transpower [designation TPNZ2 in the Hutt City district plan] and Safeway Storage sites are located in the river corridor within the existing stopbanks just to the west of Connolly Street. The sites are zoned River Recreation and General Business Activity Areas respectively GW has purchased the property

18 Note the excavation of gravel from the Hutt River has previously been consented refer to Appendix 1

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at 59 Connolly Street and the former Rentokil site to facilitate the stopbank upgrade works.

GW has contacted all property owners and occupiers directly affected by or adjoining the proposed designation area including those properties located on the west side of the Hutt River and north at Belmont.

6.4.2 Effects of the Works

During construction there will be effects on the general amenity of the designation area including its visual appearance. Where construction activities are occurring excavators/bulldozers and large trucks will be visible. Visually there will be a significant impact, albeit of a short duration. Potential delays for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists will be experienced around Harcourt Werry Drive and Connolly Street where trucks will be crossing and as the road is realigned.

Given the scale of the project these effects are unavoidable, however they will not be felt along the entire area for the duration of the project. From a general amenity view point, the level of access, use and enjoyment the community experience of this area may be adversely affected during construction.

x Safeway Section

Through this section there is an existing stopbank which will be increased in height from 2.5 metres to 4 metres and the whole structure widened.

The new stopbank crest (the highest part of the stopbank) will be some 8-10 metres further away from existing residential boundaries. Along the Safeway boundary and 55 - 57 Connolly Street up to 1.5 metre high retaining walls would be constructed at the toe of the stopbank. GW is able to use retaining walls at this location because of the distance the stopbank is from the river and their small height and size. This removes the need to purchase additional private property for construction of the stopbank.

The retaining wall adjoining the Safeway site will be constructed clear of the Safeway Storage boundary and will not be visible from the river side of the upgraded stopbank. A 1.8 metre high fence will be constructed for safety reasons along this boundary due to the gap between the stopbank and the Safeway Storage wall. The retaining wall on the residential boundary will also require a fence this will be built in conjunction with the affected residents

Public access is provided along the existing stopbank and this is not proposed to change with the construction of the new stopbank. The privacy effects of the upgraded stopbank are unlikely to be any different than the existing situation.

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x Connolly Street Section

Through this section Connolly Street will be realigned to accommodate the raised height of the stopbank crest and the stopbank will be increased in height from 2.5 metres to 4 metres and the whole structure widened.

The final design for the road and new stopbank crest has been moved further to the east onto the former Rentokil site. This change in the design has enabled the heights of the existing road and retaining walls at Connolly Street to remain unchanged. New retaining walls are required outside Safeway Storage and diagonally opposite 54 Connolly Street. The footpath along Connolly Street will also be altered so that is will be higher and physically separated from the road carriageway. Refer to Appendix 8.

A new joint access way will be provided to Transpower and Safeway Storage to the north of the existing access ways along with associated kerb and channel, landscaping and footpaths to link into the existing network. Refer to Appendix 8.

Along the Ariki Street private way the stopbank has been moved so that apart from a short retaining wall at the Connolly Street end no new retaining walls are required. The new stopbank crest (the highest part of the stopbank) will be some 10 metres further away from the existing residential boundaries than the existing stopbank crest. As the stopbank goes behind the boundaries at 36/1, 36/2 and 36/3, an existing fence encroaches into the stopbank buffer strip owned by GW. GW will require the existing fence to be moved to the legal boundary. This has been discussed with the affected property owner and GW will remove the fence and replace it on the boundary (refer to Appendix 11).

Connolly Street residents will remain largely unaffected by changes to the stopbank apart from some disruption during construction and minor changes to kerbs and driveways in the road reserve (55-57 Connolly Street only). Refer to Appendix 8.

Public access is provided along the existing stopbank and this is not proposed to change with the construction of the new stopbank. The stopbank crest will be higher than it is at present, however it would be further away from residential properties than it is at present. The privacy effects of the upgraded stopbank are unlikely to be any different than the existing situation. Fencing and planting of the golf course boundary will also be undertaken.

In summary while the upgraded stopbank will look different to the existing one it will have no more than a minor effect on the amenity currently enjoyed by the adjoining residents. While the stopbank footprint is bigger than the present stopbank, the highest part of the upgraded stopbank is some 10 metres further away from the adjoining residential properties and its batters (sides) are significantly less steep. Refer to Appendix 5 and 8.

x Boulcott Golf Course

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Through this section there is an existing stopbank which will be increased in height from 2.5 metres up to 4 metres and the whole structure widened into the golf course.

A 1.5 – 2.0 metre buffer strip will be located between the existing residential properties and the new stopbank.

The new stopbank crest (the highest part of the stopbank) will be some 10 metres further away from existing residential boundaries. Public access is provided along the existing stopbank and this is not proposed to change with the construction of the new stopbank although people will be directed down off the stopbank at Ariki Street onto a new path built along the proposed buffer strip. Access will be provided to Boulcott Street. An improved path and access to and from the stopbank will also be provided at the corner of Ariki Street and the existing stopbank. Fencing and planting of the golf course boundary will also be undertaken.

The privacy effects of the upgraded stopbank are not considered to be significantly different than the existing situation.

The upgraded stopbank will look different to the existing one as it will no longer be hard up against property boundaries. The stopbank footprint is also bigger than the current stopbank, the highest part of the stopbank is some 10 metres further away from the residential properties than at present and its batters (sides) are significant less steep (refer to Appendix 5).

At Boulcott Street the existing Boulcott clubrooms, green keepers shed and car parking will be removed as the stopbank is constructed. This should have flow positive on affects in terms of fewer traffic movements in Boulcott Street, reduced pressure on parking and a quieter overall residential environment. The larger stopbank footprint would also move golfers further away from the residential boundaries than at present.

x Hutt Golf Course

Through this section there is no existing stopbank until the Fairway Drive end of the HGC. Because of the proposed stopbank location through the middle of an existing golf course the stopbank will retain its height and size but significant landscaping will be added to make the stopbank look for all intends and purpose part of the golf course.

The most significant change for residents adjoining the HGC is three properties between 18 and 22A Hathaway Ave. These properties are the closest to the proposed stopbank footprint and apart from existing fences and trees enjoy attractive views of the HGC.

These properties would be able to see the stopbank and their view of the golf course would change. The wider view down the HGC may also be lost from the lower levels or ground floors of these properties once the stopbank is constructed.

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GW has in consultation with the HGC agreed to:

x fix the location of the stopbank between 18 and 22A Hathaway Ave; x ensure golfers are not visible from the landward side of the stopbank in the vicinity of 18-22A Hathaway Ave riverside; and x keep the height of the stopbank in this vicinity as low as possible; and x remove an existing palm tree on the boundary with 22 A; and x discuss the potential for additional planting with the three adjoining properties.

The stopbank proposed between Allen Street and Stellin Street has been redesigned to cut across the 17th, 16th,15th, and 11th fairways which moves the stopbank some distance away from these properties. At this location the stopbank would be less than 1 metre in height and would be incorporated in the HGC. As a result there would be little or no adverse affects on these properties from the stopbank.

6.4.3 Proposed Mitigation

The short to medium term effects from construction will be mitigated through the use of approved construction practices as well as Flood Protection’s own Environmental Code of Practice and measures suggested in Section 9. Where appropriate, GW will advise adjoining properties /residents of any increased truck movements. Otherwise, press releases, notices on the GWs website and articles in “Our Region” will be used to communicate information to the general public.

x Noise The movement and operation of machinery and vehicles will generate some noise locally any significant increases in noise levels will be monitored closely by GW.

All access to the site will be from Harcourt Werry Drive in the location of the former Rentokil Site with limited access at Military, Allen, Stellin and Kingston Streets when the Fairway Drive end of the stopbank is constructed. Noise emissions will be limited by the working hours, namely 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday to Sunday, for the construction period. At all stages of construction the Contractor shall meet the limits recommended in NZS 6803:1999 Acoustics - Construction Noise.

x Dust Localised increases in dust may result from either stockpiled material or machinery movements during construction. The quantities of dust from stockpiles should be minimal as gravel will be the predominant material. Concerns have been raised by some adjoining residents about dust during strong winds and the potential adverse effects on their properties. GW will take all practical steps to ensure that adverse effects do not occur and will brief the contractor accordingly. If an event did occur that adversely affected adjoining properties GW would ensure that any adverse effects caused by windblown dust was mitigated.

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The Contractor will take all measures necessary to ensure that dust arising from construction activities does not cause a nuisance to adjacent properties, pedestrians or road traffic.

The Contractor will be required to submit and gain approval from the engineer, prior to commencing works which would include as a minimum the following:

x Water spraying or otherwise treatment of areas liable to generate excessive dust. x Delineating areas, other than construction areas, to limit the extent of truck and machinery movement. x Treating haulage roads, access ways and parking areas to minimise generation of dust. x Sweeping and washing of sealed surface roads. x Provision of drive-through water baths – to be used by all “dirty” vehicles before going onto public roads.

x Recreation and Public Access Appropriate warning signs will be erected on the Hutt River Trail, along the existing stopbank, At Connolly, Ariki and Boulcott Streets and accesses from Harcourt Werry Drive, Connolly, Military Road, Stellin, Allen and Kingston Streets and at any other point of entry to the site.

x Cultural and Historic Sites Should any cultural or skeletal remains or similar material be uncovered construction operations will cease in the immediate vicinity. Notifications will then be made to Iwi and the Historic Places Trust.

x Proposed Monitoring During construction the works will be supervised – under the contract - to ensure that management of the site occurs in accordance with the construction contract and that the proposed mitigation measures are implemented and adverse effects are minimised.

Use of the river channel for activities such as canoeing and access will be restricted during extraction. The existing consent conditions for the gravel extraction will be adhered to as part of this project.

6.5 Short term /Construction effects

6.5.1 Landscape and visual

During the construction phase various temporary landscape and visual effects will be generated by the construction activities as a result of some land and vegetation disturbance. These include:

x the earthworks needed to construct the stopbanks x stockpiling of gravel, and fill materials x increased construction activities and vehicle movement around the site

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x potential removal of some vegetation (mature pines) along the boundary where they fall within the path of the proposed stopbank at Ariki Street, some at Boulcott Street and through the golf courses as well as along Harcourt Werry Drive to allow construction of the bund.

Although construction activities will generate adverse visual effects, these effects will not be particularly visible to the general public and are limited in duration. Public views will be largely limited to those possible from the Harcourt Werry Drive, Connolly Street, Ariki Street and Boulcott Street and the existing stopbank.

The proposed construction area will have the greatest visibility from neighbouring properties. The need to selectively remove some vegetation in the path of the proposed stopbank may result in an increase in the visibility of construction works from properties in Ariki Street and Boulcott Street.

Overtime much of the golf course will be landscaped and trees replanted although not along the stopbank footprint. There are also opportunities for landscape planting at Connolly Street, Ariki Street and the end of Boulcott Street.

Due to the temporary nature of the visual effects associated with construction activities it is anticipated that the visual and landscape effects will cause little more than a temporary, minor nuisance for adjacent landowners and have little or no effect for the wider community.

6.5.2 Recreational effects

During the construction period the overall number of heavy vehicles on site will increase and cover a wider distribution across the site. In response to health and safety requirements, and certain stages of the construction process (i.e. realigning Connolly Street) it is likely that the public may be temporarily restricted or prevented from accessing the site.

6.5.3 Stormwater effects

The proposed stopbank is located on generally flat undulating ground extending from Safeway Storage to Kennedy Good Bridge. Most of the stopbank is located with the two golf courses with about 50 % of the total length of the stopbank adjoining residential properties on the landside. There are three storm water pipes crossing the stopbank at Ariki Street, Hathaway Avenue and Military Road.

Ariki Street stormwater is piped up to the Harcourt Werry Drive where it discharged into the open drain located on the northern boundary of Transpower’s Melling Substation. The Hathaway Avenue and Military Road pipes are discharging into soak pits located in the golf course. The Military Road stormwater pipe discharges into the Illot pond, before discharging into the soak pits located in the HGC.

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As construction is staged parts of the site will be exposed and the potential exists for sediment laden runoff onto the adjacent golf course and residential areas.

While stopbank construction will be staged over three construction seasons it is likely GW will be working on more than 0.3 hectares at any one time. To prevent any sediment laden stormwater runoff from the site the following sediment control measures will be taken:

x Silt fences will be installed at each stage of construction to prevent sediment runoff. There location and any existing streams are shown on the attached plan refer Appendix 3. x On completion of each stage stopbank areas and the golf courses will be re- grassed. x No areas will be left without grass cover.

In addition improved soakpits (Illot Pond) and upgrades to the existing stormwater network are being undertaken to prevent ponding of floodwater once works are completed.

An Erosion Sediment Control plan could be submitted prior to works starting and a condition to this affect could be included if appropriate.

6.6 Iwi values

A Cultural Impact report has been prepared for GW. The following section comes from the report.

x Executive Summary of Cultural Impact Report

1. This report will cover the area along Te Awakairangi/Hutt River from the Kennedy Good Bridge down past the Melling Bridge and extending down to the Ewen Bridge. This will cover all of the proposed scheme area however extending further from the area near Mills Street downstream to the Ewen Bridge. This is an area where great conflict occurred early in colonial history with conflicts over the New Zealand Company’s sale of rural acres to settlers and the displaced people of Ngati Tama along with those of Ngati Rangatahi and Ngati Haua from the Upper Whanganui River.

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2. The northern section of the proposed scheme is located in area known in Maori times as Motutawa Pa. Motutawa Pa extended across what is now known as Avalon Park as well as extending south across what is now Fairway Drive into the area now occupied by the Hutt Golf Links. The project in the Boulcott area is in the proximity of Maraenuku Pa which was situated close to the Hutt River. Between these Pa came Boulcott Farm which was stockade in the 1840s. Motutawa Pa was associated with the Ngati Tama hapu of the northern confederation of Taranaki iwi along with the Ngati Rangatahi a hapu of Ngati Maniapoto. Between Ngati Awa included the iwi of northern Taranaki migrated to the Wellington Harbour area from the early 1820s and have held manawhenua status to the present time. 3. The area gained notoriety with the Battle of Boulcott farm in 1846 which proved to be the last battle between the British regiments in Wellington and Maori. It saw Ngati Rangatahi, Ngati Haua and Ngati Tama being removed from settler sections in the Hutt Valley.

4. The two old Pa sites should be regarded as waahi tapu or Maori sacred sites that border the project area both the Pa sites extended to Te Awakairangi/Hutt River. It is noted that the course of the river has changed considerably from colonial times both by natural changes and then by human activity with river control activities.

5. This project will involve this land which could still hold some of the taonga of the past such as a partially carved waka that was discovered in previous work on the river. It is proposed that an accidental discovery protocol is put in place to deal with unanticipated discoveries of cultural material, archaeological material and koiwi. The burials as a result of the battles in the area in 1846 should be outside the project area. This report sets out some of the Maori cultural history and connection with this part of the Hutt Valley and how it fitted in the overall tribal situation around Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington Harbour). The context of the tribal situation and how the Waitangi Tribunal has seen this is explained to ensure that decision makers are dealing with the appropriate mana whenua groups.

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6. The proposed project is likely to effect at least one of the old Pa sites and perhaps local burials as a result of the battle in the area. These possible Maori cultural effects could in part be dealt with through the provision of an accidental discovery protocol. That protocol would cover the possibility that cultural or archaeological material anywhere along the course of the development. The area around the old Boulcott Farm and stockade which was probably close to the utilities building of the Hutt Golf Club should be the subject of an archaeological investigation prior to and stopbank work.19 It is noted that an ancient partially carved waka recently emerged from the bed of the Hutt River downstream of this area.

7. The Trusts recommend that the area is examined in a preliminary way by an archaeologist prior to work starting to clear the site or if older stopbanks are removed. The archaeologist should advise on whether a more detailed examination is warranted prior to work commencing. The area which would deserve a closer inspection is the area around the Hutt Golf Club rooms near the intersection of Hathaway Street and Military Road. It is noted that there were also burial of British soldiers and other around the old Boulcott farm.

8. It is difficult to accurately pinpoint the location of any burials and these may well have been removed or destroyed in past works around the area it may be worthwhile to do some test pits to determine if these may be any archaeology remaining in the area. Remnants of the battles of 1846 may include muskets and guns and other items.

6.6.1 Effects of the Proposed Works

In the initial consultation phase the following issues were identified:

x providing for native fish passage. x adverse effects on fish habitat. x excavation resulting in archaeological finds. x access to water for inanga.

19 See Appendix 13

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6.6.2 Mitigation Measures

In response, Greater Wellington has undertaken to ensure:

x All works will be undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Code of Practice. x Work to cease immediately if any archaeological finds are made.

In addition the HRFMP sets out methods to meet the aspirations of tangata whenua including safeguarding significant sites and restoring native species.

The mitigation measures above achieve the methods set out in the plan including tangata whenua in managing the Hutt River.

6.7 Flood Protection

6.7.1 The Existing Situation

The existing stopbank extends from Mills Street to Hathaway Avenue. This stopbank was originally constructed in the early 1900’s and later upgraded over part of its length in the 1960’s and 1980’s.

Following the 1998 floods emergency repairs were carried out on a section of stopbank at Ariki Street. The present stopbank is high enough to contain a flood in the order of a 1 in 100 year event, however the security it provides in some areas is considered to be very low (the bank did contain floods in the order of 1 in 25 year return period flood event in the 1998 and 2005 floods).

There is a short (350 metre) return stopbank immediately below Kennedy Good Bridge, behind the former National Film Unit building in Fairway Drive, opposite Avalon Park. This stopbank was constructed in the 1970’s and is considered to be to a good standard.

Between the two stopbanks the topography of the HGC and the land just east of Hathaway Avenue is sufficiently high to contain floods possibly up to a 1 in 100-year event. Approximately 10 houses in Hathaway Avenue, north of the existing stopbank, were flooded in the 1998 and 2005 flood events.

The Hutt River in the Boulcott reach extending from the Kennedy Good Bridge to Mills Street is characterised by the Mills Street/ Transpower’s Melling Substation constriction and a change of grade. The river channel narrows down in width from about 100 m below Kennedy Good Bridge to about 50 metre at the Melling Substation. The floodway width also changes from about 600 metres through the HGC to about 150 metres at the Substation. The constriction at the substation gives rise to a sudden rise in flood levels and then a relatively flat grade up to KGB with consequently lower flow velocities. The bed levels in this reach aggraded due to gravel deposition.

The existing river channel possibly contains floods up to a 1 in 2 year event in the Hutt River dependant on the gravel build up. GW currently has a gravel

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extraction programme to lower and maintain the river bed at surveyed 1998 bed levels. As the flood discharge in the river exceeds a 2 year event the Harcourt Werry Drive will start flooding at the low point just north of the substation resulting in a road closure.

Floods exceeding about a 1 in 5 year event overflows into the HGC at the low areas downstream of the KGB. The flow through the golf courses re-enters the river just upstream of the Substation where flood levels are raised by the existing constriction.

The floodwater overflowing into the golf courses starts inundating the low lying Hathaway Avenue properties when the flood discharge exceeds about a 10 year event in the Hutt River

About 10 properties including a number of houses were flooded during the 1 in 25 year floods occurred in 1998 and 2005. More Hathaway Avenue properties would be flooded as the flood discharge increases beyond a 25 year flood event. The 1 in 25 year flood event is the highest recorded flood since 1939.

The existing high ground east of Hathaway Avenue is high enough to contain up to a 100 year event in the Hutt River. However, it is estimated that most of the properties on the west of Hathaway Avenue and north of the existing stopbank and parts of the properties on the east of the Hathaway Avenue will be flooded during a 1 in 100 year event.

The existing stopbank from Mills Street to Hathaway Avenue is high enough to contain floods up to a 100 year event, however, stopbank failure could occur before overtopping because of structural weakness.

The largest recorded flood (2000 cumecs >1 in 100 year event) in the Hutt River occurred in 1898 and the consequential flooding resulted in building stopbanks to reduce the flood risk.

The failure of the existing stopbank or overtopping at Hathaway Avenue has the potential to flood a substantial area of the Hutt Valley, including the CBD and intensively developed high value residential property. The character and extent of large floods can be difficult to understand until they actually happen. Figure 2 of the HRFMP shows a possible flood extent map for a 2300 cumec flood developed using a hydraulic model. Figure 3.2 above shows the possible flood extent for a 2800 cumec flood with the existing stopbanks.

6.7.2 Effects of the Proposed Works

The proposed construction methodology maintains the same level of flood protection at all times during construction as currently exists. GW engineers and works personnel will oversee the proposed works and ensure the integrity of the flood defence system is not compromised.

In the long-term, the completion of the new and upgraded stopbank and associated works will have a significant positive effect on the level of flood protection provided to the Hutt Valley community. The benefits include

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increased personal security and asset protection from flooding and a potential reduction in intangible costs from flooding, such as those caused by stress20.

Once completed the level of flood protection provided to the community will be increased to the 1 in 440 year return period flood level and when the other parts of the HRFMP are completed this will increase to a 2800 cumec or rare flood event.

x Boulcott Golf Course The existing site currently begins to flood in an approximately 1 in 5 year return period flood event. This threshold remains unchanged.

The flood water up to the 2800 cumec event would be contained in the Hutt River Corridor rather than flow away from the river channel, to the south through Hathaway Ave or overtop the existing stopbanks at Ariki Street and Boulcott Streets. The proposed stopbank and the associated works will lower the estimated flood levels in the BGC for the 1900 and 2300 cumec flood events. In the 2800 cumec metre flood event levels could be 100 mm deeper than at present. The effect of a 100 mm increase in depth is not considered significant as the entire golf course would already be covered with flood water.

x Hutt Golf Course The existing site currently begins to flood in an approximately 1 in 5 year return period flood event. This threshold will remain unchanged as floodwaters will enter site from BGC downstream rather than directly from the river over Harcourt Werry Drive in events smaller than 1 in 20 year events. The floodwaters will enter the site directly over the low bund in the events exceeding a 1 in 20 year event in the Hutt River.

As for the BGC flood water in a 2800 cumec flood event would be contained on the golf course side of the stopbank until it could flow back into the Hutt River rather than flow away from the river channel and to the south through Hathaway Ave or overtop the existing stopbanks at Hathaway Ave. The effect of a 100 mm increase in depth is not considered significant as the entire golf course would already be covered with flood water.

x Hathaway Avenue The flood risk to the properties behind the new stopbank and on the west side of Hathaway Avenue would improve significantly from its current level (1 in 10 year return period) to the design standard of 1 in 440 years. As other parts of the flood protection scheme are upgraded this will increase to the 2800 cumec standard or a rare flood event. For those properties and businesses further to the east that do not get flooded in these smaller events their level of flood protection will also improve to these higher levels.

20 It is generally accepted that the social costs are approximately equivalent to the actual value of the damages (Lustig 1992).

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x Stellin Street/ St Andrews Ave/ Ariki Street/Boulcott Street/Connolly Street The flood risk to these properties behind the upgraded stopbank improves from a nominal 1 in 100 year flood event (assuming the existing stopbank does not fail in smaller events) to the 1 in 440 year flood even. As other parts of the flood protection scheme are upgraded this will increase to the 2800 cumec standard or a rare flood event.

x Hutt City Centre The flood risk to the Hutt City centre from both the new and upgraded stopbanks while improved would remain at a nominal 1 in 100 year flood event (assuming the existing stopbanks does not fail in smaller events) until the other parts of the flood protection scheme are upgraded.

x Safeway Storage site and Transpower's Melling Substation Both these properties are located inside the existing stopbanks. The volumes of floodwaters staying within the Hutt River Channel once the stopbanks are completed will increase. This increase is due to floodwaters, which would have previously flowed through Hathaway Ave or overtopped the existing stopbanks, being contained within the river system.

Hydraulic modelling work undertaken by GW shows that flood levels downstream of the upgraded stopbanks will increase by 10 mm. The increase in flow would results in an increase of flowing water over the area of 2 mm.

The future river channel improvement works would however, lower the estimated flood levels at both these sites. The hydraulic model predicts that flood waters would currently enter the Safeway Storage site in a 1900 cumec metre flood, with the river works completed they would not enter the site in a 2300 cumec metre event. Levels in a 2800 cumec metre event are predicted to be about 100 mm deeper.

Over Transpower's Melling Substation site levels would drop with the completion of the river works by 200-400 mm in a 1900 cumec flood event and between 100-400 mm in a 2300 cumec flood event. Levels in a 2800 cumec metre event are predicted to be about 200 mm deeper.21

x Upstream Any effect upstream of Kennedy Good Bridge would be minor. For the channel widening peak levels would actually be lowered upstream of the bridge in a 1 in 100 year flood event (1900m3/s). Even in a 2800m3/s flood, the effect diminishes upstream rapidly. In a few instances there could be a minor impact on flood levels at a few properties in this rare event but it is not expected that buildings themselves would be affected.

21 Reference 18 Kennedy Good to Melling Hydraulic modelling 2006-2009

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6.8 Summary

During the consultation undertaken both in choosing the preferred stopbank alignment and in the preparation of this application some adjoining residents felt that they would be adversely affected by the location of both the “new” and upgraded stopbank.

Long term negative effects raised by residents are described as: loss of privacy, loss of view or outlook, reduced property security and perceived loss of property value, primarily due to the height and proximity of the proposed stopbank.

Where the stopbank can be moved or where changes to the design could be made to reduce adverse effects these have been made. Examples of this are at Connolly Street and Hathaway Ave. However, there may still be an effect on the visual outlook and privacy of some adjoining residential properties.

Most residential properties affected, already have an existing stopbank in place so the change in circumstances will be minor. Residents with the most change tend to be those properties that are currently without flood protection. A number of which were also flooded in 1998 and 2005 flood events.

The proposed stopbank will have major potential impacts on the Boulcott and Hutt Golf courses. GW has minimised the impact on the two courses by designing the stopbank in a golf friendly manner to reduce these impacts as far as possible. Since the merger of the golf courses was announced GW has in consultation with the Merger Board agreed an Indicative layout plan for the final course layout (refer Appendix 7) and a proposed construction schedule for year one and two (refer Appendix 3). The final detail of this will be set out in separate agreements with the Merger Board that will enable GW both to access their land and maintain the stopbank in the future.

The shape of the proposed stopbanks will be less steep than the existing stopbank and the crest of the banks will be further away from residential properties. Some of the effects currently experienced with the existing stopbanks close to residential properties are likely to be reduced.

GW acknowledges that there will be localised effects on specific areas along the stopbank, however the overall positive benefit is to provide these existing residential dwellings with a greater level of flood protection than currently exists. The overwhelmingly positive effect of the proposed stopbank is the significantly improved flood security provided to the immediately adjoining area and the wider community. The stopbank centreline and crest position will generally be relocated further away from residential boundaries thereby in GWs view reducing the impacts of a higher crest level.

In the short term during the construction phase, nearby properties will be impacted by the effects of earthworks machinery such as dust, noise, vibration and workmen. However, this is proposed to be minimised as much as possible by applying standard earthworks procedures, such as dust control, and contractual specifications, such as work hours.

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7 Regional and District Plan Provisions

7.1 Regional and District Plan Provisions This section provides an overview of the key Regional and District Plan objectives, policies and rules that are applicable to the proposed gravel extraction.

The applicable planning instruments are:

x Wellington Regional Policy Statement – operative 15 May 1995 x Proposed Regional Policy Statement – notified 21 March 2009 x Regional Freshwater Plan for the Wellington Region operative 17 December 1999. x City of Lower Hutt District Plan – operative 24 June 2003

The provisions of the three plans applicable to the extraction area are summarised below.

7.2 Wellington Regional Policy Statement

The proposed stopbank and associated works, have been evaluated in terms of the following relevant policies of the Regional Policy Statement (RPS).

x Iwi Management System Policy 4 To recognise and provide for the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu and other taonga.

Policy 6 To recognise and promote the role and importance of kaitiakitanga.

x Fresh Water Policy 4 To maintain and protect the quality of fresh water so that it is available for a number of uses and values, and: (1) Its life supporting capacity is safeguarded; and….. (2) For, surface water, any adverse effects on aquatic and riparian ecosystems are avoided, remedied or mitigated.

Policy 7 To avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on water quality and aquatic ecosystems of contaminants, contained in non-point source discharge.

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Policy 9 To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of modifications to the beds of water bodies on water quality, groundwater, aquatic ecosystems and the amenity and cultural values of water.

Policy 10 To manage the quality of water and the flows, levels and beds of water bodies so that … [its] values are protected:

Values include regionally significant natural features, indigenous vegetation, habitats of indigenous aquatic fauna, waterforms as a component of scenes and landscapes, landforms and geological features, heritage, recreational, scientific or other amenity or intrinsic values. This policy is relevant to the Hutt River above Kaitoke only. The project reach is excluded from this policy and therefore not considered to be regionally significant.

Policy 12 To avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects of any new or existing use and development where these effects impact on the natural character of wetlands, lakes, rivers and other water bodies and their margins.

Policy 13 To recognise the cultural relationship of the tangata whenua with rivers, lakes, wetlands and other water bodies and to promote the management of fresh water in ways that take into account iwi values and beliefs.

Policy 16 (1) To ensure, when planning for and making decisions on new subdivision, use, and development, that: (a) There is no reduction in the quality of existing legal access to and along water bodies, and (b) Opportunities to enhance access to water bodies, or parts of water bodies, which are: (i) Of regional significance (as listed in tables 4 to 7 of Policy 10 or in a regional plan); or (ii) Are considered by the relevant territorial authority to be of benefit to the local community for their recreational, cultural, scenic, spiritual, or other amenity values are recognised and provided for. (2) To promote through other means, where practicable, access to and along water bodies (to which subsection 1(b) of this policy applies), other than in exceptional circumstances.

x Soil and Minerals Policy 4 To manage rivers within approved design standards derived from flood plain management studies,

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x Ecosystems Policy 4 To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of activities on ecosystems, and in particular, to avoid, remedy or mitigate any of the following effects: (1) Reduction in the indigenous biodiversity of an ecosystem; (2) Prevention of the natural processes of an ecosystem, including nutrient cycles and energy flows, from operating effectively; (3) Simplification of the structure of indigenous ecosystems; and (4) Reduction in the quality or quantity of the non-living parts of an ecosystem (e.g. decaying plant and animal remains, water, air, soil) to a level which adversely affects the life-supporting capacity of the ecosystem.

x Hazards Policy 3 To recognise the risks to existing development from natural hazards and promote risk reduction measures to reduce this risk to an acceptable level consistent with Part II of the Act.

Policy 4 To ensure that human activities which modify the environment only change the probability and magnitude of natural hazard events where these changes have been explicitly recognised and accepted.

Policy 5 To encourage people and communities to prepare for the occurrence of natural hazard events by providing them with relevant information and advice.

x Assessment of Relevant Regional Policy Statement Policies The proposed works meet the requirements of the RPS. Consultation has been undertaken with iwi and is documented in Section 10. Most importantly, the proposed stopbank and associated works are necessary to meet the needs of the Hutt Valley community for flood protection. This is consistent with Natural Hazard Policy 3 that recognises the risks to existing development and the need to promote risk reduction measures, Policy 4 that seeks to ensure recognition and acceptance of any changes to the probability and magnitude of natural hazard events and Policy 5 that encourages people to prepare for flood events.

Section 6 addresses the assessment of effects of the proposed works. Negative and positive effects of the works are acknowledged. Mitigation measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate effects have either been incorporated into the proposed works, or included as a proposed condition. Section 6 addresses freshwater policies 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10, 12. Although policy 10 identifies the Hutt River as regionally significant, the policy only applies to the river above Kaitoke. The project reach is therefore excluded. The consultation process

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undertaken during the drafting of this resource consent has involved iwi and Policy 13 is also addressed in Section 6 and 10.

Ecosystems policies 4 and 10, and soil and minerals policies 4 and 5 are also addressed in Section 6. Soil and minerals policy 4 is intended to ensure that erosion control and flood control measures are carried out in accordance with guidelines which derive from consideration of the whole catchment system and not on an ad hoc basis. The floodplain management plan completed for the Hutt River in 2001 is a significant part of achieving both the above policies and Natural Hazard policies 3, 4 and 5. New stopbanks and land use planning measures have been implemented based on the HRFMP. Failure to manage the Hutt River within the guidelines of the HRFMP has the potential to increase the risk of damaging floods and erosion.

The RPS also identifies methods that GW will undertake to manage the Hutt River.

x The Wellington Regional Council will complete flood hazard assessments on all major floodplains in the Region. The assessments will include an analysis of the potential effect of flooding events.

x The Wellington Regional Council will use its information on natural hazards to identify the risks to existing development and ways in which these can be reduced.

x Maintain and modify stream beds and channels, when necessary, to improve the flow of flood water in accordance with the provisions of flood hazard management programmes in a regional plan or floodplain management plan.

x Authorise, through resource consents or regional plans, the extraction of sand and gravel from targeted rivers.

x Monitor riverbed levels and other relevant indicators to provide information for decisions on gravel extraction rates and sites.

GW considers that this application is consistent with these methods. The development of a comprehensive floodplain management plan for the Hutt River which includes undertaking significant structural works has been adopted because of the significant assets at risk from flooding and the potential cost of damage that may occur and because avoiding or mitigating this hazard is one of the major functions of GW.

7.2 Proposed Wellington Regional Policy Statement

The proposed RPS was notified on the 21 March 2009. Hearings for the RPS concluded in November 2009. Decisions are expected in the March 2010. The proposed RPS has been entirely reorganised and restructured. The policy direction in the proposed RPS supports the existing HRFMP framework while

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at the same time strengthening the avoidance message for new development. As of lodging no decisions had been released on the proposed RPS.

7.3 Wellington Regional Freshwater Plan

The Regional Freshwater Plan has been prepared to assist Greater Wellington carry out its functions relating to freshwater under the RMA. It provides a framework for managing the effects of human activities on freshwater resources.

The relevant policies are as follows:

x General Objectives and Policies Policy 4.2.3 To not allow the use or development of water bodies and river and lake beds that would restrict the access of tangata whenua to any identified site of special value in a publicly owned river or lake bed, unless that access can specifically be provided for, or the loss can be adequately remedied or mitigated.

Policy 4.2.4 To avoid, remedy, or mitigate the adverse effects of the use and development of water bodies and river and lake beds on the habitats of species traditionally harvested by the tangata whenua.

Policy 4.2.5 To have regard to the values and customary knowledge of the tangata whenua, where these have been identified by the tangata whenua, when assessing resource consent applications for the use and development of water bodies and river and lake beds.

x Natural values Policy 4.2.9 To have regard to the following characteristics of wetlands, and lakes and rivers and their margins, when considering the protection of their natural character from the adverse effects of subdivision, use, and development: • ecosystems, habitats and species; and • water quality; and • the natural flow characteristics and hydraulic processes (such as sediment transport) of rivers or the pattern and range of water level fluctuations that occur naturally in wetlands or lakes; and • the topography and physical composition of river or lake beds and the course of the river.

Policy 4.2.11 To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of the use and development of water bodies and river and lake beds on aquatic habitats and freshwater

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ecosystems by having regard to: • the maintenance of biological and physical processes; and • the maintenance of habitat for feeding, breeding and sheltering aquatic life; and • the maintenance of the diversity of aquatic life; and • the maintenance of the ability of fish to disperse and migrate; and • the times which will least affect feeding, spawning, dispersal or migratory patterns of fish and other aquatic species; and • the prevention of irreversible adverse effects.

Policy 4.2.14 To avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects on important trout habitat in the Region, identified in Appendix 4, by: • managing water quality so that Policy 5.2.3 is satisfied; and • managing the flows and levels of water bodies so that Policies 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.12, and 6.2.13, whichever is (are) relevant, is (are) satisfied; and • having particular regard to offsetting adverse effects on trout habitat; and • having particular regard to maintaining the same, or similar, river bed configuration in the rivers identified.

x Water Quality Policy 5.2.8 To have regard to the relevant guidelines in Appendix 8 (Water Quality Guidelines) when deciding whether a discharge is able to satisfy Polices 5.2.1 to 5.2.7 (above) when considering applications for resource consents (subject to Policy 5.2.10).

Policy 5.2.10 To allow the discharge of contaminants to fresh water which do not satisfy Policies 5.2.1 to 5.2.9, whichever is (are) relevant, only where: - the discharge is of a temporary nature; or - the discharge is associated with necessary maintenance work …

x River and Lake Beds and the Floodplain Policy 7.2.1 To allow the following uses within river and lake beds: - structures or activities for flood mitigation or erosion protection purposes…

Policy 7.2.2 To not allow the use of river and lake beds for structures or activities that have significant adverse effects on: - the values held by tangata whenua; and/or - natural or amenity values; and/or - lawful public access along a river or lake bed; and/or - the flood hazard; and/or - river or lake bed stability; and/or - water quality; and/or - water quantity and hydraulic processes (such as river flows and sediment transport); and/or - the safety of canoeists or rafters.

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Policy 7.2.6 To have regard to any relevant Floodplain Management Plan and the information provided in any relevant flood hazard assessment, or in connection with any River Management Scheme, when considering subdivision, use, or development within any river bed or floodplain

x Assessment of Relevant Freshwater Plan Policies The proposed stopbank meets the requirements of the Regional Freshwater Plan. Providing an acceptable level of flood protection to the Hutt Valley community is an important objective of both floodplain management planning and is consistent with Freshwater policies 7.2.1, 7.2.2 and 7.2.8.

Section 6 addresses the environmental effects of the proposed works. Adverse and positive effects of the works are acknowledged. Mitigation measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects have either been incorporated into the proposed works, or addressed as a proposed condition.

Consultation has been undertaken with iwi, the details of which are summarised in Section 10. The proposed works would not have long-term effects on water quality, fish spawning or aquatic ecosystems (refer to Section 6).

The taking of small amount of water for construction purposes will not have adverse effects on water quality. GW operates under an Environmental Code of Practice to ensure that best practice principals are followed in undertaking work in rivers.

x Regional Rules Assessment The following table summarises the relevant rules and consents required from Greater Wellington

Table 4.1: Regional Rules Assessment

Activity Rule Consent Required Rules relating to activities in the bed of a river For the taking, using, damming, or diverting freshwater 1 Temporarily and permanently Rule 16 Taking, use, Discretionary divert the flood flow damming or diversion of Activity (Rule 16) in (approximately 2800 cumecs) of water, or the transfer to accordance with the Hutt River with construction another site of any water section 6.4.2 of a proposed stopbank permit to take or use water 2 Taking of 250,000 litres/day of Rule 16 Taking, use, Discretionary water for construction purposes damming or diversion of Activity (Rule 16) in water, or the transfer to accordance with another site of any water section 6.4.2 permit to take or use water

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Activity Rule Consent Required 3 Temporarily extend an existing Rule 2 Stormwater Permitted Activity culvert to the Hutt River discharges into surface (Rule 2) water 4 Stormwater discharge from an Rule 3 Stormwater Controlled Activity area of bulk earthworks greater discharges into surface (Rule 3) than 0.3ha. water

7.4 Hutt City District Plan

The proposed stopbank extends through three activity areas. Through the Safeway Section and the Greater Wellington Regional Council land on the eastern side of Connolly Street the stopbank is located within the River Recreational Activity Area and also the Secondary River Corridor Annotation. 59 Connolly Street and the small strip of GW owned land behind 48-54 Mills Street is located in the General Residential Activity Area. Once entering into the Boulcott Golf Course the stopbank is located in the General Recreation Activity Area as shown on Planning Map D3.

Overlaid over the General Recreation Activity Areas on these sites are both the Primary River Corridor and Secondary River Corridor Annotations.

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Figure 7.1. From Map D3 of the District Plan showing the location of the site.

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7.4.1 City of Lower Hutt District Plan - Activity Status

x Designations The designation process allows GW as a Requiring Authority to require HCC to make provision in its district plan for the proposed stopbank. A designation allows the proposed public work to be undertaken, and the district plan rules do not apply.

In seeking the designation GW has however considered whether the proposed stopbank can meet the tests set out in the District Plan.

x River Recreation Activity Area Upgrading the proposed stopbank is a permitted activity under the City of Lower Hutt District Plan in accordance with the following.

Rule 7A 2.1(e) Works necessary for the management of any river or stream by the Wellington Regional Council or Hutt City Council.

Rule 7A.2.1.1 outlines the permitted activity conditions that are required to be met in the General Recreation Area, therefore these must be met in order for the activity to be considered a permitted activity.

x Permitted Activity Standards The southern part of the stopbank begins in the River Recreation Activity Area, which is located to the west of Connolly Street. The stopbank then heads in an easterly direction where it crosses Connolly Street and into land owned by GW. These two parcels of land are subject to the River Recreation Activity Area Rules.

With regard to the proposed stopbank alignments the Permitted Activity Conditions are not applicable apart from Rule 7C 2.1.1(b) which is listed below;

Rule 7C 2.1.1(b) General Rules Compliance with all General Rules – see Chapter 14.

All other Permitted Activity Area Rules can be complied with regard to the stopbank.

The following rule exempts earthworks from having to comply with the Permitted Activity Conditions in Rule 14l 2.1.1 if those earthworks are for the purpose of the management of any river;

Rule14l 2 (iii) Earthworks in the River Recreation Activity Area for the purposes of the management of any river or stream in accordance with Chapter 7C – River Recreation Activity Area.

The proposed stopbank would comply with all of the General Rules contained with Chapter 14 of the City of Lower Hutt District Plan.

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x Summary of Activity Status for the River Recreation Activity Area The proposed stopbank can comply with the Permitted Activity Conditions as set out in Chapter 7C – River Recreation Activity Area. It is also considered that the proposal is exempt from having to meet the Permitted Activity Conditions under 14l 2 – General Rules.

Overall in terms of land use the proposed stopbank would be considered a Permitted Activity.

x Permitted Activity Standards for the General Recreation Activity Area Rule 7A 2.1 sets out the relevant permitted activity standards and conditions for the General Recreation Activity Area.

x General Recreation Activity Area Permitted Activity Standards

Permitted Activity Standard Complies Discussion (a) Minimum Yard requirement; No Fails to comply with the yard Where sites adjoin residential requirements along the Boulcott activity areas all buildings and Section. Also fails to meet the structures must be sited 6.0m from yard requirements on Hutt Golf the boundary Course from the Boulcott boundary up to the practice nets (where it begins to turn to a more northerly direction). (b) Maximum Height of Buildings Yes All proposed stopbanks will be and Structures; less than 8.0 metres in height. 8.0 metres (c) Recession Plane Yes Complies Where buildings and structures adjoin a residential activity area, all parts of the building or structure must comply with the recession plane requirements of the adjoining residential activity area. (d) Building Coverage and Size of Structures (i) A maximum of 15% of the area Yes of the site may be covered by buildings and structures; No The stopbanks entire bulk will (ii) Buildings and structures must exceed 100m3, with a total bulk not exceed 100m3; and of 110, 000m3. Yes (iii) Where building and structures The stopbank will be landscaped adjoin a residential activity area the appropriately on the completion separation yard shall be landscaped of its construction and will for a minimum depth of 3m; comply with the 3m yard.

(iv) All new buildings and structures in the Primary or Secondary River N/A The proposed stopbank is a Corridor with a gross floor area of flood management structure. 20m2 or less and with a setback of 20m or more from a flood protection

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Permitted Activity Standard Complies Discussion structure. Condition (d) does not apply to the area delineated as the Belmont N/A Regional Park and the East Harbour Regional Park. (e) Lighting Any activity which requires outdoor Yes No lighting is proposed as part areas to be lit must ensure that direct of this stopbank alignment or indirect illuminance does not proposal. exceed 8 lux at the window of a dwelling on a neighbouring site. (f) Hours of Operation All organised activities must operate N/A between the hours of 7.00am and 10.00pm, from Monday to Thursday inclusive and Sunday; and between 7.00am and 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. This provision does not apply to overnight stays. (g) Outdoor Storage Areas: N/A Outdoor storage areas shall be screened from adjoining sites and roads by either planting or a close- boarded fence/wall with a minimum height of 1.8m. (h) Retail Activity N/A Retailing shall be limited to the sale of food and beverages for consumption on site, the sale of tickets, recreation and sporting equipment directly related with the type of recreation activity occurring on site. The size of the retail facility must not exceed 100m2 gross floor area. (i) Motorised Activities and N/A Outdoor Concerts Motorised activities and outdoor concerts where there is amplified music are not permitted.

This condition excludes park management and maintenance vehicles for all General Recreation Activity Areas, and farming operations only in the Belmont Regional Park and East Harbour Regional Park.

(j) At the Bracken Street Depot N/A Bracken Street, Petone, Section 979 Hutt District, SO 33425, in addition to the above conditions, the

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Permitted Activity Standard Complies Discussion following shall apply – (i) No retail sales are permitted directly from the site. (ii) 20 onsite parking spaces are to be provided at each location at all times. All parking to comply with the design standards in Chapter 14A – Transport. (k) Buildings and Structures Yes within the 1 in 100-year flood extent (see Planning Map G1) In addition to the other Permitted Activity Conditions, the following shall apply in this area: (i) All buildings and structures shall have a floor level above the 1 in 100-year flood level. (l) General Rules No The proposed stopbank will be Compliance with all General Rules – unable to comply with the see Chapter 14. earthwork requirements as set out in the earthworks section in Chapter 14 – General Rules. (see below for discussion relating to the earthworks rule)

x Chapter 14 – General Rules

According to the Permitted Activity Conditions set out in 7A 2.1.1(l), the proposed stopbank alignment options must be assessed against Chapter 14 – General Rules. The following table details the General Rules, the relevant rules to this application have been considered:

Permitted Activity Standard Rule Complies Discussion (a) Transport N/A

(b) Signs N/A (c) Noise Yes 14.C 2(f) All construction, Temporary noise demolition, and maintenance during construction but work shall comply with NZS it is anticipated that 6803P “Measurement and noise requirements are Assessment of Noise from able to be complied Construction, Maintenance and with. Demolition Work”. (d) Hazardous Facilities N/A (e) Significant Natural, Cultural N/A and Archaeological Resources. (f) Heritage Buildings and N/A Structures (g) Trees N/A (h) Natural Hazards No (i) Earthworks 14l.2.2 No Discussed below

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The table below details the General Rules for Earthworks;

x Chapter 14l – General Rules for Earthworks

Permitted Activity Standard Complies Discussion (a) Ground Level No Fails to comply as the change in The natural ground level may not natural ground level will be in be altered by more than 1.2m, excess of 1.2m across the majority measured vertically. of the sites. (b) Quantity: No Each of the three proposed Maximum volume of 50m3 (solid options will exceed the maximum measure) per site. volume per site.

(c) Baring Head, Pt 1A2 N/A Parangarahu, As shown on Appendix Earthworks 2, any earthworks must be limited to the immediate area of the building platforms. (d) In the Primary and Secondary River Corridors, N/A Earthworks must be a minimum distance of 20m from flood protection structures.

x Summary of Activity Status for the General Recreation Activity Area

The permitted activity standards cannot be met under Rule 7A 2.2 in relation to yards, and earthworks as follows:

x Yard requirements Rule 7A 2.1.1(a) x Earthworks – Rules 14l 2.1.1 (a & b)

x Assessment of Relevant District Plan Policies and Rules The proposal to construct a stopbank, including extensive earthworks and stock piling of material over the site, is not specifically envisaged by the part of the sites general recreation activity status or general residential zoning. The scale of the proposed earthworks are also outside the permitted earthwork provisions of the District Plan. The site (apart from 59 Connolly Street).is within the secondary river corridor annotated on the district plan and GW is seeking to designate the site for flood protection purposes.

In terms of the earthworks provisions the site is not prominent or visually sensitive. The earthworks are sufficiently separated from the Hutt River so as not to adversely affect water quality. Section 6 describes the effects on the landscape in more detail.

Appropriate conditions and mitigations measures have also been suggested in section 9 of this report.

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Once the earthworks have been completed the finished stopbank will be landscaped and grassed. Although the stopbank will be a distinctive feature on the landscape, it would not significantly change the existing landscape character of the area. The existing land uses will remain largely unchanged at the completion of the works, e.g. golf courses and residential activity. This assessment is described further in Section 6.

The proposed earthworks would not be undertaken on steep slopes or within 20 metres of the Hutt River. An appropriate condition has been suggested in Section 9 in case archaeological remains are discovered.

Both positive and potentially negative effects of the works are acknowledged in Section 6, which addresses the environmental effects of the proposed works. Specific mitigation measures have been proposed in Section 6 of this consent and are summarised in Section 9. Mitigation measures include the specific methods proposed in the work methodology, the Environmental Code of Practice, and other items listed in Section 9. These mitigation measures have been developed by the GW over many years and have met the requirements of agencies and groups interested in the river and its environment. Suggested consent conditions are also included in Section 9.

7.5 Matters of National Importance

7.5.1 Purpose of the RMA

Part II of the Act states that it is the purpose of the Act to:

“promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources”

this in turn means:

“managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources in a way, or at a rate, which enables people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing and for their health and safety while –

… avoiding, remedying, or mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment”.

The proposal will actively promote the purpose of the Act in that it will promote the sustainable management of a significant natural resource - i.e. the Hutt River and its surrounding floodplain. It will do this principally by reducing the potential risk of flooding and erosion to flood protection assets and the adjoining built up areas of Lower Hutt located on the floodplain.

The proposal avoids, remedies or mitigates any adverse effects on the environment and achieves net environmental gains. It does this primarily by careful planning and assessment, particularly mitigating potential adverse effects on the existing Hutt River environment, and controlling the methodology to reflect the site and particular attributes of the golf courses and immediately surrounding land uses.

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7.5.2 Matters of National Importance

In relation to relevant Section 6 and 7 matters, the proposal recognises and provides for these matters in the following ways:

x the proposed stopbank and associated works have been planned (through the HRFMP) and designed to be appropriate to this part of the Hutt River area;

x the proposal will not affect public access to and along the Hutt River;

x the proposal will not affect identified aspects of value to Maori;

x the proposal does not adversely affect the Hutt River fishery; and

x the proposal does not adversely affect any areas of historic heritage.

The proposal is not considered to be contrary to any other matters identified in Part II.

7.6 Conclusion

This section of the report has assessed the proposal in terms of Section 104 of the Act. The summary conclusion is that the proposal meets Section 104 of the Act by being consistent with, and actively implementing Part II of the Act and the relevant objectives and policies of the Regional Policy Statement, Regional Freshwater Plan and as far as possible, given the scale and significance of the proposed public work, the applicable zone provisions of the Hutt City Plan. Any adverse effects will be minor or can be mitigated.

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8 Consideration of Alternatives

This section investigates the alternatives considered by GW prior to confirming the proposed stopbank and preparing the NOR and resource consent applications.

GW decision making framework includes the whole Hutt River flood protection system and therefore the initial consideration of options for the proposed stopbank was subject to: x the Hutt River design standard. x the nature of the current environment, including existing development. x the part an alternative option plays in the larger flood protection system.

The HRFMP sets out the community’s needs and expectations for the river’s flood protection system. Understanding the design standard set out in this plan is necessary as this determines the design criteria selected for a particular reach of the river and which alternatives may be viable.

8.1 The Hutt River Design Standard 1990 - 200122

Planning for flood protection requires deciding on the largest flood that the flood defence system should safely contain. This is called the design standard, or design flood. The design standard influences the type and extent of structural measures that are appropriate in a given reach, for instance the use of stopbanks, berms and edge protection. As part of the HRFMP process the three Council’s and the Hutt Valley community agreed to a 2300 cumec risk- based standard. The risk based standard for the Hutt River provides a 2300 cumec (1 in 440 year flood) standard of protection to all floodplain areas except for small urban areas (Belmont and the Bridge Road, Gemstone Drive area of Upper Hutt).

The HRFMPs main features are: x an emphasis on protecting existing urban floodplain areas. x upgrading all major stopbanks23 to a 2800 cumec standard capacity (a rare flood), with remaining stopbank protection mostly to a 2300 cumec standard (a 1 in 440 year flood). x bank-edge and berm protection between a 1900 cumec standard (a 1 in 100- year flood) for isolated and small urban areas, and a 2300 cumec standard for main urban areas. x assistance for house raising.

22 For further information please refer to Wellington Regional Council’s Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan, 2001, Chapter Three.

23 Major stopbanks are those protecting the main urban areas of both cities and include the Hut Boulcott area.

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x replacing bridges at the end of their useful life, with new bridges and their associated floodways required to pass a 2800 cumec flood. x developing appropriate risk-based non-structural measures to complement the selected structural measures for varying flood-prone areas of the Hutt Valley.

The protection level chosen for each flood-prone area is mainly based on: x potential damage costs. x area and number of people affected. x an area’s vulnerability to flooding and erosion.

The existing design standard, existing and future works, and land use planning methods are all based on 1998 river bed levels. The options outlined below must be able to accommodate this. On this basis a ‘do nothing’ option has not been considered here as this option was considered and rejected as part of the HRFMP. The alternatives considered below also reflect discussions held with adjoining residents, the BGC and HGC (refer to Section 10: Consultation).

The Boulcott Hutt stopbank is a major stopbank protecting the main urban area of Hutt City and the stopbank would be built to a 2800 cumec metre capacity to meet the design standard set out in the HRFMP.

8.2 Alternative Stopbank Alignment Options Considered 2006-2008

An options assessment to determine an alignment for a new Boulcott Hutt stopbank on the left bank of the Hutt River between Kennedy Good Bridge and the end of Mills Street was conducted by GW and a team of specialists and consultants between March 2006 and September 2008.

8.2.1 Transpower’s Melling Substation Option

In addition to the options shown in figure 8.1 and 8.2 below a further stopbank option was considered in the Safeway section that included both the Transpower Substation and Safeway Storage site within the Hutt River Flood Protection scheme. This option involved the stopbank being extended around both sites and joining back into the existing stopbank at the end of the existing Safeway Storage site.

With this option the stopbank would encroach into the 80 metre erosion set back line set out in the HRFMP and into the bed of the Hutt River. This option was not pursued any further as a stopbank or floodwall to protect the Transpower substation was considered to be difficult and expensive to construct and would be over six metres high above its foundations. Excavation would need to be undertaken to maintain the existing channel capacity and no additional benefits in terms of lower stopbank heights would be gained. Erosion forces around the proposed floodwall would be high in both small and large flood events. Frequent and expensive maintenance would be required to

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maintain the integrity of the floodwall foundations. An increase in water level could also be expected upstream of the floodwall which would have led to an increase in the height of the stopbank in upstream parts of the project.

Discussions between GW and Transpower about the Melling Substations location in the Hutt River floodway have been ongoing. The Substation was flooded extensively in two, 1 in 25 year flood events in 1998 and 2005. Since this time Transpower have moved and raised critical infrastructure outside the 80 metre erosion hazard line and above the 1 in 100 year return period flood event.

The development of Safeway Storage in the late 1990’s included the provision of private flood defences to protect the site from up to a 1 in 100 year return period flood event. This site was also flooded in 2005 and further work was undertaken to strengthen the existing foundations of the flood defences to prevent water seeping underneath them.

8.2.2 Initial Alignments 2006

In March 2006 at the beginning of the feasibility study, three initial alignments were proposed by GW based on community input through a consultation process prior to this feasibility study (Figure 8.1). In broad terms these options included an alignment near to the river, an alignment through the golf courses, and an alignment near the eastern boundary of the golf courses, adjacent to existing residential development. All alignments were located between Mills Street and Kennedy Good Bridge, a length of approximately 1800 metres. In places where the existing stopbank alignment was included into a proposed alignment option and expected to provide acceptable flood security, the stopbank was assumed to be upgraded to the modern stopbank design standard adopted for the Hutt River Flood Protection Scheme.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 78 March 2010

Figure 8.1: Initial Alignments, 2006

8.2.3 Alignment Combinations

For the purpose of the feasibility analysis the alignment options were divided into three sections: Safeway, Boulcott Golf Course and Hutt golf Course. Each section had three alignments:

x toward the river x middle x along the residential boundary

In the Safeway Section an alignment encompassing the Safeway Storage site was investigated.

Within the broad alignment options, additional combinations of parts of the alignments became evident during the feasibility study process and these combinations were considered along with the three initial alignments during the feasibility study. Twenty-seven stopbank combinations were theoretically available for consideration across the full length of the project. The primary sections of stopbank length and the alignment options in each section are shown in Figure 8.2.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 79 March 2010

Figure 8.2: Combinations of Stopbank Alignments

8.2.4 Favoured Alignment from the MCA Process – End of 2006

Each of the 27 alignments possible from the combinations of stopbank sections were considered under a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) process that combined economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits and costs into a consistent and logical framework.

The MCA24 was conducted over the course of 2006 through a series of five workshops involving a team of technical specialists, consultants and GW officers who considered the feedback from public consultation meetings, developed technical information such as hydraulic models, property values and volumes estimates, and heard expert opinion from a river geomorphologist and golf course architect. Using the series of workshops and the MCA process, each of the 27 possible alignments received a concept design to a similar level of detail.

The team that participated in the MCA process weighed each of the alignment combinations against a list of critical factors, or attributes. A list of nine attributes were determined from a larger list of issues and concerns gathered from consultation feedback, inputs from landowners and neighbours, specifications from the GW flood protection team, recommendations of specialists and best practice concepts from other flood protection schemes around New Zealand and overseas. The attributes used for the consideration of the alignment options are listed below with one of the “four well beings” descriptions commonly used in the resource management act: Economic, Environmental, Social and Cultural.

24 The MCA process conducted in 2006 is documented in Section 4 and Appendix 2, Phase 1 Feasibility Study

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x Project Costs [Economic]

Construction costs of stopbank including land purchase, compensation costs to commercial stakeholders (golf clubs, Safeway Storage Ltd, Transpower) for disruption and impacts to activities and general business. Maintenance costs in the future.

x River Environment Impacts [Environmental]

Long term effects on river ecology, sediment movements, and river geomorphology due to the stopbank alignment.

(a) Permanent Impacts on Property Adjoining Stopbank [Economic]

Impacts were considered due to the proximity of the stopbank alignment, such as: loss of scenery, loss of privacy, loss of security, poor outlook onto rear of stopbank. Potential impacts on property values were considered for properties nearest to the stopbank alignment.

(b) Permanent Impacts on Property Upstream/Downstream of Stopbank [Economic]

The impact on top water levels due to the stopbank alignment on properties upstream or downstream of the stopbank for any given flood flow. Impacts would also include increased flow velocities and potential damage due to erosion and scour. The costs were considered to mitigate upstream and downstream impacts and to maintain a consistent level of flood protection on the Hutt River due the stopbank alignment option.

x Impacts on Local Community Amenity [Social]

The impacts of the stopbank alignment were considered on the recreational use of river berm, river bank or river channel for activities such as fishing, walking dogs, leisure, fitness walks and cycling. The amenity impacts included the sense of well being living, working, travelling or playing nearby the stopbank. For instance; children's education opportunities and safety to and from local schools and to the river bank.

x Temporary Effects of Construction, Timing and Staging [Economic]

The net costs associated with constructability (ease of construction and timeframe) while satisfying conditions specified by stakeholders and resource consents. This attribute includes access to and from the site during construction, the sourcing of stopbank materials, final reinstatement, and the opportunities to stage the construction. Impacts include the short term effects of noise, dust, and air pollution during construction.

x Regional Impacts [Social]

Each stopbank alignment option was assessed for the ongoing burden on ratepayers for post-flood clean-up and social disruption, the opportunities for land use change behind the stopbank, the perception of fairness to affected parties. The stopbank alignments were each considered for their perception of a

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solution that is value for money for ratepayers, and which preserves sporting and recreational assets. It was assumed by the workshop team that all stopbank alignment options would enhance the wider community's feelings of protection from flood and was not a distinguishing factor.

x Cultural, Iwi and Heritage [Cultural]

Cultural and heritage impacts were considered on particular societal groups such as Iwi rights to exercise kaitiakitanga, the Forest and Bird Society's views or any other advocacy organisation's views.

x Sustainable River and Flood Management [Environmental]

This attribute considered the residual risk of stopbank failure for each stopbank alignment, the capacity to increase the level of protection in the future and the flexibility to implement a future flood management response if river dynamics change. Manageable levels of ongoing, sustainable river maintenance as part of long term flood plain management and the impact of the stopbank alignment on the natural character and landscape of the flood plain and river environment.

8.2.5 Process

The alignment options were scored against each of the attributes. Scores were gained by consensus following a period of discussion among the workshop participants, with high scores reflecting best options and low scores reflecting worst options, and some in-between scores to allow for degrees of good or bad comparisons.

In another component to the MCA process, the attributes themselves were debated and considered by the workshop members and given an overall weighting to reflect the importance of the attribute in comparison with the other attributes. The weightings of the attributes were normalised to add up to one.

Next, the stopbank alignment options were assessed by multiplying the scores by the weightings of each of the attributes and summed for a total. The options were ranked highest total to lowest total, with the highest total assumed to be the favoured option.

Finally, some sensitivity tests were conducted to see how much change in score or weighting would be required to change the ranking of the favoured option. This process demonstrated how robust the favoured option was, or how close other options were to being the favoured outcome.

The preferred alignment from the MCA process was checked for practicality, cost and viability, and agreed upon by the design team. The preferred alignment from the MCA process in 2006 is shown in Figure 8.3.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 82 March 2010

Figure 8.3: Preferred Alignment - End of 2006

Cost estimates were compiled for each alignment option under two assumptions:

x stopbanks included with golf friendly features through golf courses, and

x stopbank not included with golf friendly features. This was carried out to assess the premium GW would pay for golf friendly features in comparison with a GW standard stopbank design.

The cost of the preferred alignment, at the end of 2006, was $16.6 million which included:

x golf friendly stopbank through the Hutt Golf Course,

x standard engineering stopbank through the Boulcott Golf Course.

x low level bund along the HGC boundary with Harcourt Werry Drive

x compensation to BGC for the closure of the golf club.

GW would exercise its right to take back control of the land it owned within BGC near Harcourt Werry Drive and use it for flood protection purposes, and BGC would be forced to close as a golf club since the amount of land remaining to it would not be sufficient to enable a viable golf course to operate.

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8.3 Phase 2 Feasibility Study: February to August 2007

In February 2007 the preferred alignment was recommended to the Hutt River Advisory Subcommittee (HRAS). A decision was deferred after submissions from BGC and HGC requesting that an alternative alignment be considered in greater detail: BGC requested that a golf friendly alignment through BGC be considered; and HGC requested that an alignment closer to Harcourt Werry Drive through HGC be considered.

Both submissions were accepted by GW and additional information was requested before adopting the preferred alignment. Gathering the additional information on the two extra alignment options and comparing all three options in the same level of detail became the objective of Phase 2 of the feasibility study.

8.3.1 Phase 2 Tasks

All three options were considered in more detail in Phase 2 as described below:

x Extra survey detail around buildings and the road crossing

x Assessed the impact on utilities

x Refined the roading design at Connolly Street

x Limited geotechnical investigations over the floodplain

x Prepared engineering drawings of the three alignments for comparison

x Geomorphological design of the Hutt River channel and bed, and computational flood modelling.

x Refined construction methodology for each alignment

x Refined golf-friendly stopbank concept design for the Blue alignment option

x Reviewed planning implications and environmental effects mitigation for each option.

x Undertook an economic assessment of the amenity value of BGC to the wider Hutt Valley community.

x Carried out further consultation and liaison with adjacent property owners.

x Prepared detailed cost estimates of all three options.

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8.3.2 Phase 2 Stopbank Alignment Options

The three alignment options were modified during Phase 2 as the outcomes of tasks were incorporated into the alignment concept designs25.

For practical reasons, the Red alignment through HGC was extended into BGC as the Red alignment and joined to the Green alignment past Safeway Storage, and became known as the “Red” alignment. The stopbank cross section was agreed with the HGC management to be a standard GW profile. BGC were not happy with the Red alignment through BGC as it disrupted too many golf features and reduced the overall playing length of the golf course below a minimum length for a viable 9-hole golf course. The BGC was assumed to be closed in this option.

For simplicity, the preferred alignment outcome from Phase 1 of the Feasibility Study became the “Green” option in Phase 2 which included the golf friendly Blue alignment option through HGC linking with the standard engineering Green alignment through BGC and the Green alignment past Safeway Storage. The BGC was assumed to be closed in this option. A low bund was assumed to be constructed along Harcourt Werry Drive adjacent to HGC to protect the course from nuisance flooding.

The Blue alignment through BGC was joined to the Blue option through HGC and to the Green option past Safeway Storage, and became the “Blue” option – golf friendly over both golf courses. The contours of the Blue alignment through BGC were discussed with the BGC management and designed by a golf course architect to minimise the loss of overall golf course playing length. A low bund was assumed to be constructed along Harcourt Werry Drive adjacent to HGC to protect the course from nuisance flooding.

The three stopbank alignment options that were considered at the end of Phase 2 are shown in Figures 8.4 to 8.6

Note to Figures 8.4-8.6: Purple land indicates GW ownership, red zoned land (outside the purple GW land and Hutt River recreational area and excluding Hutt Golf Course land) plus yellow land indicates land to be purchased for GW ownership. All blue zone land remains in the ownership of the golf clubs.

25 The findings of the Phase 2 work are documented in Phase 2 Additional Information, Feasibility Study September 2007.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 85 March 2010

Figure 8.4: Red Alignment Option – Phase 2

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 86 March 2010

Figure 8.6: Green Alignment Option - Phase 2

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#720666-V2 87 March 2010 Figure 8.5: Blue Alignment Option - Phase 2

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March 2010

8.3.3 Phase 2 Outcomes

The additional hydraulics and survey investigation, plus refinements in the design and compensation requirements that were carried out during Phase 2 allowed the overall design cost estimates to be recalculated for the three options. The favoured outcome of Phase 2 Feasibility Study was the Green alignment option, which included the closure of the BGC, and was consistent with the outcome of the earlier Feasibility Study.

During the Phase 2 study, the negative impact of the required footprint width of the Red alignment on the HGC course layout became clear, requiring a “condensing” of HGC playing area. The Red alignment through HGC was no longer supported by HGC by the end of Phase 2.

The Blue alignment through BGC incorporating golf friendly contours and golf course surfacing preparations became clearly the most expensive option of the three by $5.1 million over the cheapest option (Green).

The cost of the preferred option, in August 2007 at the completion of Phase 2 Feasibility Study, was $10.1 million which included a golf friendly stopbank through Hutt Golf Course, a standard engineering stopbank through Boulcott Golf Course and between Connolly Street and Mills Street, a low level bund along the HGC boundary with Harcourt Werry Drive. The BGC cannot continue playing with this alignment.

The Green stopbank alignment option was recommended by officers to the HRAC meeting in August 2007.

BGC requested that an alternative stopbank alignment through BGC that was cheaper than the Blue alignment but would still allow BGC to operate a viable golf club, be considered before GW resolved to accept the Green alignment option. The BGC proposed plan made a number of compromises on the golf course playing standard to accommodate a stopbank through the middle of two of its fairways.

GW agreed that a “Boulcott Alternative” alignment be considered to the same level of detail as the Green alignment. Gathering the additional information on the Boulcott Alternative alignment option and comparing this with the Green alignment option in the same level of detail became the objective of Phase 3 of the feasibility study.

8.4 Phase 3 Feasibility Study - The Boulcott Alternative Alignment: November 2007 to March 2008

The Boulcott Alternative is shown in Figure 8.7. The rest of the stopbank alignment was unchanged through HGC and past Safeway Storage26.

The Boulcott Alternative alignment runs from Connolly Street through BGC along the eastern property boundary, and over the existing stopbank footprint,

26 The findings of the Phase 3 work are documented in Phase 3, Feasibility Study April 2008.

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until the BGC 1st tee and then it carries on directly across BGC on a straight line to the BGC/HGC boundary line. Over this length, the stopbank cross section is mainly an engineering cross section with some earthworks formations to accommodate golf play. At the boundary, the stopbank turns sharply and runs along the HGC side of the boundary line towards the east and into HGC. Within the HGC property, the earthworks are more golf friendly and are landscaped to a larger extent.

The Boulcott Alternative stopbank alignment passes through the existing clubhouse footprint and three variations to the placement of the clubhouse were considered.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 91 March 2010 Figure 8.7: Boulcott Alternative Alignment Option through BGC - Phase 3

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8.4.1 Phase 3 Outcomes – Boulcott Alternative Alignment

The Boulcott Alternative alignment option was considered and costed to a preliminary level of design detail in order to compare it with the Green Alignment option from the Phase 2 study. The cost of the Boulcott Alternative alignment option, in April 2008, was $14.5 million which was $4.3 million above that of the Green Alignment option from Phase 2 which involved disestablishing the BGC.

The extra proposed cost for the BGC to remain in existence during and after the construction period was made up of:

• $2.6 million compensation and disruption costs

• $1.1 million golf course surface reinstatement costs

• $0.6 million of retaining walls, access ways and clubhouse relocation or infrastructure costs.

8.4.2 MCA May 2008 – Summary of Alignment Options

To incorporate the information obtained through the later phases of the feasibility study and summarise the options for GW, a second multi-criteria analysis was conducted in May 2008. The six alignment options considered in the MCA process were selected to cover the broad range of possible options that had been considered over the course of the Feasibility Study27. The options considered are shown in Figures 8.8 to 8.12 below:

27 The MCA process has been documented in the MWH report Multi Criteria Analysis Summary, June 2008.

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Figure 8.8 Green alignment - Engineering stopbank cross section for full length, with the alignment chosen as the most direct to create a flood defence, without concessions to golfing land usage.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 94 March 2010 Figure 8.9: Red Alignment Engineering Stopbank Cross Section for Full Length, with the alignment closest to the Hutt River.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-v1 95 March 2010

Figure 8.10: Engineering Stopbank through tHutt Golf Club

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-v1 96 March 2010 Figure 8.11: Blue alignment - Golf friendly alignment and landscaping over the land through both golf courses.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-v1 97 March 2010

Figure 8.12: Blue Stopbank Alignment Option

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-v1 98 March 2010

The attributes used for the consideration of the alignment options are listed below with one of the “four well beings”. The attributes are the same as for the 2006 MCA process with the addition of one extra attribute (3c Permanent Impacts on Golf Clubs), and the revision of some of the definitions. Stopbank alignment options were considered over their whole length between Mills Street and the Kennedy Good Bridge rather than over sections of stopbank.

8.4.3 Outcome of MCA May 2008

Based on the workshop weightings and scorings, the option Hutt Blue–Boulcott Alternative gained the highest score with the options Hutt Blue – Boulcott Green and Blue–Golf Friendly both scoring next highest.

The result of the May 2008 MCA process was that two options (“Hutt Blue – Boulcott Alternative” and “Hutt Blue – Boulcott Green”) were favoured outcomes depending on the relative weighting of project cost versus impacts. If project costs were weighted above 31% the Hutt Blue – Boulcott Green was favoured because it has the lowest cost estimate. If impacts on residents, upstream and downstream neighbours, golf clubs, community amenity, regional ratepayers and sustainability were collectively weighted highly then the Hutt Blue – Boulcott Alternative was favoured because it had lower social and community impacts.

The weighting of project cost versus impacts was reported to GW councillors.

8.5 Boulcott Alternative Alignment Option Adopted as the Preferred Alignment

In August 2008, HCC and GW agreed to provide additional funding to the Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank upgrade project in order to proceed with the Hutt Blue – Boulcott Alternative option and to retain the BGC. On 12 August 2008, GW voted to adopt the Hutt Blue – Boulcott Alternative alignment option as the preferred alignment and to assist BGC in remaining a viable golf club. The following day, HCC formally approved additional funding for implementing the preferred alignment, shown in Figure 8.13 below.

8.6 Golf clubs merger agreement and modified alignment

In November and December 2009 the HGC and BGC agreed to merge their golfing interests. In response GW has made modifications to the stopbank and construction timing as requested by the HGC and BGC.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 99 March 2010 Figure 8.13: Preferred alignment - Boulcott Hutt stopbank

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 100 March 2010

9 Mitigation Measures and Suggested Conditions

Adverse effects are considered to be of a limited, short-medium term nature and largely linked to the proposed construction activities. Specific mitigation measures have been proposed in Section 6 of this consent and are summarised in Table 9.1 below.

9.1 Potential Mitigation Measures

As outlined above there is the potential for effects that are likely as a result of the stopbank. The table below outlines the proposed mitigation measures to address the actual and potential effects anticipated by the stopbank and associated works.

Table 9.1: Potential Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Stopbanks Effect Mitigation Measures Privacy/Shading x Ensure stopbanks are grassed and maintained to a high standard (Planting and Maintenance Plan). x Restrict/limit public access along the top of the stopbanks. Landscape x Construction effects are largely temporary and the proposed planting will help to mitigate any adverse effects. Recreation x Appropriate warning signs will be erected at the access tracks on both sides of the river and accesses along the existing stopbank x Consideration will be given to the safety of all river users during the construction period through WGN 980255 and WGN 060334. Tangata Whenua x Maintain ongoing relationship and liaison. x Undertake works in accordance with Environmental Code of Practice. x Cease work if archaeological site is found or disturbed. Construction x Limit the hours of operation Issues x Ensure effective sediment and erosion control measures are implemented. x Ensure modern equipment is used with effective mufflers to limit the effect of noise and compliance with relevant standards. x Stockpiles will be managed to minimise dust. x Care will be taken to avoid dust becoming a nuisance for adjoining land owners x Duty of care in undertaking the works refer suggested conditions. x Improved security from flooding. Temporary Effects x Limit the hours of operation. x Ensure effective sediment and erosion control measures are implemented (mitigate dust nuisance etc). Long term Effects x Ensure stopbanks are grassed and maintained to a high

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standard (Planting and Maintenance Plan). Traffic Effects x Limit the hours of operation. x Limit vehicle movements at peak/critical times, such as at the beginning and end of school. Golf Compatibility x Sensitive design to stopbanks in HGC and BGC on riverward side only. Ensure safe playing conditions for golfers are provided during construction phases. Minimise disruption to golfers during construction phases by clear communications, quick work, and control of construction effects on site. Access x Stage works to continue to provide public access where appropriate. x Provide alternative access during construction phase. Roading x Implementation of a traffic safety plan for the construction traffic. x Undertake consultation with affected persons and HCC Stormwater x Installation of upgraded or renewed stormwater and sewer mains and other infrastructure to ensure that essential services are not affected. Flood Protection x Maintain existing level of protection during work where possible.

Mitigation measures include the specific methods proposed in the work methodology, the Environmental Code of Practice, and other items listed below. These mitigation measures have been developed by the GW over many years and have met the requirements of agencies and groups interested in the river and its environment. Suggested consent conditions are also included in Section 9.8.

9.2 Environmental Code of Practice

The Environmental Code of Practice (ECOP) was developed in 1998 and contains best practice methods to avoid and mitigate environmental effects arising from construction, operation and maintenance activities. It is a supporting document for the operational and maintenance activities undertaken on the Hutt, Waikanae and Hutt Rivers.

The measures have been developed over the last 15 years by the Flood Protection Department through its own initiatives, outcomes of consultation with groups such as Iwi, Department of Conservation, Fish and Game and recreation groups.

The ECOP is a reference document intended primarily to be used by Flood Protection staff, consultants and contractors. It is a living document and is reviewed and updated as the need arises. The ECOP will be complied with at all times, and forms the basis for the mitigation measures proposed below.

Mitigation measures include the specific methods proposed in the work methodology, the Environmental Code of Practice, and other items listed

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below. These mitigation measures have been developed by the GW over many years and have met the requirements of agencies and groups interested in the river and its environment. Suggested consent conditions are also included in Section 9.3.

9.2.1 Noise

To ensure that the noise levels are kept to a minimum:

- Work hours will be restricted to 7.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday and 7.00am to 3.00pm on Saturday (excluding Sundays and public holidays)

- The contractor will comply with the noise requirements set out in the Hutt City Council District Plan. In particular, the maximum sound level shall not exceed 75dBA during the hours 10pm-7am measured anywhere within a residential activity area.

9.2.2 Dust

To ensure that levels of dust generated are minimised:

- The contractor shall take all steps necessary to ensure that dust arising from construction and excavation activities is not objectionable at or beyond the boundary of the works site.

- Prior to the commencement of the contract the contractor shall provide a written statement on his proposals for achieving this.

- Methods which would limit dust emissions include, but are not limited to, water spraying or otherwise treating areas liable to generate dust, restrictions on the removal and re-placement of topsoil material depending upon wind conditions, and delineating areas to be used as access and parking areas to limit truck movements.

- Before commencing construction activities in any section, GW and its contractors will inspect the adjacent properties with the property owners and make a photographic record of the condition of the property. Any damage to a property caused by dust generated from construction activities will be cleaned at GW cost.

9.2.3 Water quality and quantity

To ensure that water quality and flows are not compromised:

- Fuel tanks shall be located clear of river channels and drainage ways and the risk of spillage into the river shall be closely monitored to ensure any spillage is kept to a minimum.

- Appropriate measures shall be undertaken to prevent silt run-off from work sites.

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9.2.4 Recreation

- During work hours, appropriate warning signs will be erected at access tracks along the river at each point of entry, the stopbank and Connolly Street as appropriate.

9.2.5 Cultural and Historic Sites

- Should any cultural or skeletal remains or similar material be uncovered, cease operations in the vicinity immediately and notify iwi and the Historic Places Trust.

9.2.6 Proposed Monitoring

- GW will monitor the maintenance, security and efficiency of the works.

9.3 Suggested Conditions

1 The activities shall be carried out as described in the applications lodged with the Hutt City Council and Environmental Regulation, Greater Wellington Regional Council. Note: Any change from the location, design concepts and parameters, and implementation may require a change in consent conditions under section 127 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

2 In terms of section 123(c) of the Resource Management Act 1991, the period for which this consent is granted is limited to 35 years from the date of the commencement of this consent.

3 The Hutt City Council and Environmental Regulation, Greater Wellington Regional Council, may review any or all of the conditions of this consent by giving notice of its intentions to do so under section 128 of the Resource Management Act 1991, at any time within six months of the third, anniversary of the date of commencement of this consent for the purpose of dealing with any adverse effects on the environment that may arise from the exercise of this consent, and which are appropriate to deal with at a later stage.

4 The consent holder may apply, at any time, under section 127 of the Resource Management Act 1991, for the change or cancellation of any consent condition, other than condition 2, relating to the term of this consent.

7 The works shall remain the responsibility of the consent holder and shall be maintained to the satisfaction of the Hutt City Council and Environmental Regulation, Greater Wellington Regional Council.

8 Except for contingency works the consent holder shall notify all adjacent property owners at least five working days prior to commencing any works which may affect those properties.

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10 In the event of finding any isolated archaeological sites, artefacts, koiwi or skeletal remains, the consent holder shall cease all works affecting the area immediately and seek advice from an archaeologist. The consent holder shall immediately notify Wellington Tenths Trust, Te Runanganui Taranaki Whanui ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui, and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and, if appropriate, the New Zealand Police.

11 The consent holder shall contact any utility service provider prior to commencing works with the potential to affect any property or infrastructure of that utility service provider.

12 Visible dust emissions from excavation activities shall be kept to a minimum. Mitigation measures shall include the use of water carts and/or hosing facilities where appropriate.

13 The consent holder shall ensure that works do not impede any utility service provider’s access to their property or infrastructure.

14 Fuel tanks shall not be located in the riverbed or river margins. There shall be no cleaning, storing or refuelling of machinery in the riverbed or river margins.

15 To prevent the introduction of unwanted organisms machinery shall be cleaned prior to entering the riverbed if the machinery has been used in another catchment. Cleaning shall be undertaken in an area where the wash water does not enter any waterways.

16 All machinery shall be well maintained at all times to prevent leakage of oil or spill of other chemicals into the river. In the event of any leakage or spill, such machinery shall be removed immediately from the margins of the river.

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10 Consultation

10.1 The Consultation Process

Consultation on flood protection work affecting the Hutt River is an integral part of GW activities. Flood protection activities have a high profile in the Hutt Valley community. This is due, in part, to the floods regularly experienced in the catchment and through consultation processes undertaken by GW. Flood Protection’s works within the river are well reported in local newspapers, further reflecting the interest shown by the community.

The most recent phase of public consultation for undertaking flood protection works along the Hutt River began in 1990, as part of the Hutt River Flood Control Scheme Review. The community’s views from this consultation process are summarised in “Living with the River”, produced in November 1996, which in turn was an integral part of the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan (HRFMP). Consultation continued with the community, starting in 1998, to develop the plan.

The review in the early 1990s, consultation on the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan, and ongoing resource consent applications provide a solid base for consultation on the work proposed in this application.

Consent applications in which consultation has been undertaken include:

- Ewen Floodway Project (1992). - Extraction of sand and gravel from the Hutt River mouth (1996). - Undertaking operational and maintenance activities in the Hutt River (1998). - Ava to Ewen reach improvements (2002) - Belmont river works and plan change (2004/5) - Hutt River wet gravel extraction consent (2006)

10.2 Boulcott Hutt Stopbank: Selecting the Preferred Alignment (April 2006 to March 2009)

The consultation process for the Boulcott Hutt stopbank began in April 2006.

The purpose was to provide opportunities for key stakeholders, particularly the two golf clubs, and affected residents to actively participate in the process of selecting a preferred stopbank alignment.

To select the alignment consultation was completed in four rounds; the focus of each round is described below:

Round 1: phase 1 feasibility study (April 2006 to June 2006) x Announced the start and direction of the project. x Looked at the broader stopbank alignments with the community and identified issues.

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x Outlined how the stopbank alignments would be evaluated.

Round 2: phase 1 feasibility study (June 2006 – November 2006) x Advised how the stopbank alignments were evaluated. x Received feedback on the outcomes of this evaluation.

Round 3: phase 2 feasibility study (November 2006 to July 2007) x Presented three refined stopbank alignments from phase 1 – Red, Blue and Green. x Received feedback on the alignments. x Announced further time required to discuss the preferred stopbank alignment.

Round 4: phase 2 feasibility study Boulcott alternative (September 2007 to July 2008) x Presented the results of investigations into the Boulcott alternative. x Received feedback on the alternative alignment. x Announced a stopbank alignment.

10.2.1 Public consultation timeline

Task When HRAC endorsement of consultation process and programme March 2006 Round 1: phase 1 feasibility study (April 2006 to June 2006) Press releases and newsletters April 2006 Meetings with affected parties April/May 2006 Public meeting May 2006 Round 2: phase 1 feasibility study (June 2006 – November 2006) HRAC approval of evaluation outcomes for public consultation October 2006 Press releases and newsletters October 2006 Public meeting October 2006 Meetings with affected parties October/ November 2006 HRAC endorsement of additional time for further discussions on the 30 November preferred alignment 2006 Round 3: phase 2 feasibility study (November 2006 to July 2007) Letter to affected parties advising of HRAC outcome January 2007 HRAC endorsement of further investigations into Red, Green and Blue February 2007 alignments Councillor walkover February 2007

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Press releases and newsletters May 2007 Meetings with affected parties May to August 2007 HRAC endorsement to investigate the Boulcott alternative 6 September 2007 Round 4: phase 2 feasibility study Boulcott alternative (September 2007 to June 2008) Meetings with affected parties October 2007 to July 2008 Council endorsement of Boulcott alternative following confirmation of 11 August 2008 funding arrangements Newsletter and press releases November 2008

10.2.2 Consultation outcomes to March 2009

As noted in the above table, meetings were held with the project’s key stakeholders, including HCC, the Boulcott and Hutt Golf Clubs, Safeway Storage Ltd and the adjoining residents. Iwi, Department of Conservation, and Fish and Game NZ were also kept informed of the project via a series of press releases and newsletters.

Meetings with key stakeholders, and residents involved: x Presenting stopbank and golf course design information, and discussing these with a golf course designer. x Discussing construction methodologies and staging of the construction to minimise the disruption to the course, and how this may impact on compensational items. x Presenting cross sections along the entire stopbank alignment to show the stopbank dimensions relative to property boundaries and the changes in each of the golf courses.

x Boulcott Golf Club

The Club’s preferred alignment was the Blue alignment but BGC supported the chosen Boulcott Alternative alignment. Key points were:

- The survival of the BGC was paramount.

- The BGC was reluctant to relocate the Clubrooms to the former Rentokil site for a number of reasons including landownership, reduction in the length of 8th hole, and concerns regarding access and parking.

- The time that the Clubrooms are unavailable needs to be kept to a minimum.

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- The relocated Greenkeeper’s (former Rentokil site) shed should be raised to be protected from the 50 year return period flood event. Access will be via Connolly Street.

- The former Rentokil site needs to be incorporated into the BGC to retain length.

- The stopbank crest on BGC/HGC boundary will be located in the HGC to minimise the impact on the BGC 5th hole.

- Blind play on the 4th and 5th fairways is acceptable, with a flatter 8:1 batter on approach, and a 6:1 batter on the descent.

- Six holes are to remain playable at all times during construction.

- Construction access will be off Harcourt Werry Drive and will straddle the boundary of the BGC/HGC; BGC find this unacceptable as the impact on the 5th fairway is too great, and would like the entire access way to be located within the Hutt golf course.

- Public access will be maintained along the stopbank. A low level walkway at ground level on the landward side of the stopbank from Connolly to Boulcott Street is proposed.

x Hutt Golf Club

The outcomes of this consultation are summarised below: - Minimise construction impacts, and stage construction so as to keep the course open.

- 18 holes, of a suitable standard, must be playable at all times during construction. To achieve this a 19th hole was to be constructed in the practice fairway.

- Practice green is a coaching facility, removal of this, impacts on the Club’s professional golfer and his ability to offer personal lessons.

- A low bund will be constructed along the course’s boundary with Harcourt Werry Drive to protect the course from nuisance flooding. Greater Wellington will construct the bund; responsibility for maintenance will reside with the Hutt golf club.

- Stopbank construction on the course will be over two years. The first stage in the vicinity of the clubrooms will cause the most disruption and adversely affect the Proshop. The Proshop owner is contracted to the Club.

- Construction access will be off Harcourt Werry Drive and will straddle the boundary of the Boulcott and Hutt courses.

- The Club are willing to accommodate the entire stopbank crest on the Boulcott Hutt boundary.

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- Willing to look at options in the area of the course immediately adjacent to Hathaway Avenue so that privacy is maintained for those residents.

x Safeway Storage Limited

At a meeting on 5 May 2006, Safeway Storage Ltd opposed being excluded from the flood protection offered by a stopbank. They wanted to be protected from flooding and to be located within the confines of any new stopbank. Following this, GW investigated the feasibility of including both Transpower’s Melling Substation and Safeway Storage or Safeway alone within the proposed stopbank. On 14 November 2006, GW advised Safeway of the outcomes of investigations and also advised them of the Hutt River Advisory Committee (HRAC) meeting on 30 November 2006 where they could attend.

Safeway Storage’s submission to the HRAC requested that the Committee directed officers to find a solution that would bring both the Safeway and Transpower sites within the enhanced protection of a new stopbank.

The HRAC decided that more detailed design information was required, including consideration of four written submissions received at the meeting, before any of the options are eliminated. Safeway Storage Ltd was advised that they had a further opportunity to make representations to the HRAC at its meeting on 1 March 2007.

A further meeting was held on 14 September 2007 with Safeway and their consultants, where the Safeway section was discussed.

Safeway Storage submission November 06 and March 07 to HRAC

This submission concerns the upgrade of flood defenses in the Boulcott area proposed by the Flood Protection Group of Greater Wellington Regional Council (GW).

Safeway Self Storage Limited is an interested and affected party and is an active participant in the consultation process and we appreciate Project Manager Daya Atapattu's invitation to make this submission to the Advisory Committee. We are particularly and primarily concerned with that part of GW's proposal, which seeks merely to upgrade the Mills to Connolly Street section of stopbank by simply raising it, in its existing line, rather than rerouting it (so as to include Transpower's Melling sub-station and our adjacent land).

It needs to be noted that the Melling sub-station is an essential public utility and our adjacent property is an intensively developed industrial site. These are significant assets with an aggregate value easily exceeding $50 million, perhaps a great deal more. The uses are long (and lawfully established) and as the sites have been developed outside the protection of the existing stopbank, private flood protection measures have accordingly been put in place. Notwithstanding this, we believe that it makes no sense

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for GW to plan any upgrade of flood defenses that would see these important assets remaining outside the protection of new structural works.

From our discussions and communication with GW to date, it is clear that no real emphasis has been placed on devising an engineering strategy that would see these assets brought within the bounds of any new stopbank. Instead, it would seem that GW has concentrated its efforts in forging ahead with its plan to upgrade the existing stopbank at this location in its existing line (notwithstanding the obvious technical difficulties) and that the whole thrust of this approach appears to stem more from philosophical roots rather than hard engineering evidence. At times, we get the impression that despite their importance, the subject lands are regarded almost as something of a nuisance and unworthy of further protection.

GW has said that there is the need to maintain an 80 metre wide sacrificial berm and that there is a 'pinch point' at this location. These concerns might be addressed, we suggested, by a recontouring of the right bank of this reach of the Hutt river, by means of simple earthworks, perhaps combined with suitable edge protection such as rock lining and/or groyne structures (if necessary).

We have a further concern, in that a raised stopbank at this location would create a new roadcrest level considerably higher than the existing. This will give rise to a number of significant traffic engineering issues and it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to satisfactorily mitigate the effects of these both on our property, and others nearby. GW has said it is confident that it has a viable solution to these problems, although we have not, as yet, been provided with any detailed proposals upon which we could make any kind of considered judgment. We were bemused to learn (from Newsletter #4) that GW put forward a proposal to ring our site with a floodwall. We believe that this proposal was never serious or practical (in several crucial respects) and its late inclusion in the consultation process seems to indicate a complete misunderstanding our position, which we have been at pains to make clear.

We are also concerned to note that several aspects of a report to this Committee dated 20 June 2006 (Report 06.307) do not appear to accurately reflect progress in the matter. Of principal concern is the way in which the report's authors have chosen to summarize our position in the Record of Consultation attached to their report. In focusing on only one aspect of our concerns (and omitting others) it appears our position has been misrepresented, perhaps unintentionally. Our opposition does not arise from isolated self interest, but rather from the belief that GWs proposal to upgrade flood defenses whereby a key piece of infrastructure and, (it is accepted), our adjacent land would remain outside the protection offered by new flood protection works is fundamentally flawed, unwise and runs counter to sound planning principles,

There is further concern in relation to the Record of Consultation summary, where we note it is reported that Transpower "have no concerns

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at present", (which would seem to imply that Transpower are totally happy with GVV's proposals), Whilst we are unaware of Transpower's current thinking, this seems odd, or at least is at odds with their April 2001 submission to the HRFMP Consultation Draft (Submission 13 — Attachment to Report 01 .322).

Where we note in pars 22 of their submission:

"Transpower considers it inappropriate for the planning of any major structural flood protection works (e,g, realigning or strengthening of the stopbank) to ignore Transpower's Melling assets, The Melling substation was established through a lawful process and is an essential service in the Hutt Valley, and should not be penalised for being located within the stopbanks.

In the instance that structural works planned by the Wellington Regional Council could reasonably be adapted to include the enhancement of flood protection for Melling substation, Transpower believes this should be legitimately considered."

And in the following pare [2.3] Transpower goes on to outline a number of concerns relating to the proposed strengthening of the Connolly Street section of stopbank, the associated construction of a retaining wall and the intended purchase of private land to enable these works to proceed.

Accordingly, from the available published material, one could therefore reasonably draw the conclusion that rather than 'having no concerns at present', Transpower, like us, do not favour the construction of a new stopbank that excludes their site,

In concluding this submission, we would like to make the following points: x The river berm on the true right of the Hutt River (the old gravel plant site) is quite wide and clear and is accordingly open to any widening and recontouring exercise.

x The existing stopbank (at our south boundary) is tightly constrained by development on both sides. This complicates and adds to the technical difficulty of achieving the design height and batters for any raising exercise as well as adding to the cost, both in terms of construction and with regard to future maintenance. This is in stark contrast to the area of river berm already in GW's ownership (between the river channel and the Safeway/Transpower western site boundaries), which is open, clear and easily accessible by heavy machinery.

x We believe that it is unreasonable for GW to continue to argue that any new stopbank (which would include, rather than exclude, the subject lands) would present unacceptable technical difficulties without providing any supporting engineering evidence or opinion (capable of peer review).

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Accordingly, we ask the Committee to recommend that GW's Flood Protection Group place emphasis on achieving an engineering design solution that would bring these important assets within the enhanced protection of a new stopbank and we would be pleased to co-operate with GW, its engineers and consultants to this end.

We are grateful for this opportunity to make our views known to the Advisory Committee.

x Neighbouring residents

Consultation with the neighbouring residents focussed on two distinct groups who were impacted differently by the stopbank:

- residents between Mills Street and the end of Boulcott Street who have an existing stopbank on their boundary; and

- residents in between Boulcott St and Hathaway Avenue who have no stopbank.

Residents adjacent to the existing stopbank from Mills Street to the Boulcott clubrooms were more aware of the stopbank and generally accepted that the situation would improve for them with the stopbank crest, although increasing in height, being located further away.

General concerns applicable to both groups included:

- The height of the proposed stopbank(s), and the impact on runoff, sunlight, and privacy especially with golf being played on the stopbank.

- Golf Clubs taking precedence over local residents.

- Stormwater runoff.

- Stray golf balls and how these will be dealt with.

x Boulcott Street

Specific concerns included:

- Potential for the protected land to be developed.

- The positioning of the Boulcott clubrooms, with the possible relocation of Boulcott clubrooms reducing the existing onsite parking available. The current parking arrangements in Boulcott Street are already a concern and may be exacerbated by the stopbank. The position of the drive on access to the clubrooms was also noted as needing refinement. Preferred option is to relocate the Clubrooms to the former Rentokil site.

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- Whether public access from Connolly to Boulcott Street will be maintained.

- Whether the existing stopbank will be reused.

x Hathaway Avenue

These residents did not want a stopbank on their boundary. These residents would prefer a stopbank alignment through the centre of both golf courses.

Specific concerns included: - Loss of land value.

- House raising was seen as one solution to those immediately affected by flooding.

10.3 Consultation on the Proposed Boulcott Hutt Stopbank and Associated Works from (March 2009 to date)

Consultation focussed on the work already completed during phase one to select a stopbank alignment.

The purpose of phase two consultation was to:

x Provide opportunities for the two golf clubs and other interested parties to participate in the design process.

x Provide opportunities for the stakeholders to participate in the preparation of Notice of Requirement/resource consent applications.

x Keep the golf clubs, local community and other interested parties well informed through the statutory process and construction phases.

The community and key stakeholders/organisations were divided up based on their location, the potential effects of the project and communities of interest. Nine groups were identified and within each of these groups, smaller subgroups were identified where specific concerns, comments, and feedback was required or anticipated by the project team

10.3.1 Parties Directly Consulted

- Hutt Golf Club

- Boulcott Golf Club

- Local Residents

- Connolly Street

- Ariki and Boulcott Streets

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- Hathaway Avenue to St Columbians Grove

- Allen to Stellin Streets

- Boulcott School

- Iwi : Wellington Tenths Trust & Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui - Hutt City Council and the Central and Western Community Committees - Transpower - Safeway Storage Ltd - New Zealand Transport Authority - United Networks - Department of Conservation - Fish and Game New Zealand

The extent of consultation, comments received and, where appropriate, the GW response are summarised below.

10.3.2 Public consultation timeline

Task When Mail out to key stakeholders/organisations, neighbouring residents and April 2009 wider community noting start of process to gain planning approvals for the required work. Newsletter 6 included to provide background. Meetings with key stakeholders/organisations and neighbouring May – July 2009 residents. Newsletter 7: Project Update October 2009 Attended Belmont Spring Festival Draft Notice of Requirement/resource consent document mailed out to, December 2009 key stakeholders/organisations, neighbouring residents and wider community Comments received January 2010

10.3.3 Hutt Golf Club

Ongoing meetings have been held between GW and representatives of the HGC. Initially these meetings were held on the basis of HGC remaining a separate club. In November 2009 the HGC made a decision to merge with BGC.

GW have continued to proceed with the NOR and resource consent on the basis of the stopbank location that was approved by GW in August 2008. The decision on the merger of the clubs has lead to some changes in the final

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stopbank location, additional golf friendly features and the construction methodology. In particular HGC have asked GW to move the stopbank further into their course at Hathaway Ave and the BGC at the end of Boulcott Street.

Comments Received

HGC have asked GW to make the following changes:

Move the proposed stopbank 20 metres into the BGC at the end of Boulcott Street.

Prepare a final layout plan for the merged golf course to help facilitate construction planning.

Prepare construction plans showing construction proposed for year 1 and year 2.

Complete construction between Connolly Street and the 17th hole in HGC in year 1.

Use Military Road, and Allen Street as well as Kingston and Stellin Streets for construction access at the northern end of the HGC.

GW Response

GW has worked with the Merger Board since December 2009 to reach an agreement which enables GW to enter HGC and BGC land and construct the stopbank through the two golf courses.

In response GW has revisited its proposed construction planning and to a lesser extent the intended location of the proposed stopbank. GW has been able to accommodate the HGC requirements listed above and has updated the application to reflect the above.

Construction activities will significantly damage some of the golf course features and surfaces of what will become the merged course. GW will reinstate these features.

The HGC has also advised GW that in the future the merged clubs’ may wish to include street access to a potential land development from Boulcott Street. There is no flood protection reason why the stopbank cannot be moved at this point, to accommodate a request from the land owner, GW have moved the stopbank (refer to Appendix 8).

It is also noted in terms of the further use of this land that this is the new clubs decision and a number of separate statutory processes would be required before the combined clubs’ could develop the site in a manner different to its existing zoning.

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10.3.4 Boulcott Golf Club

Ongoing meetings have been held between GW and representatives of the BGC. Initially these meeting were held on the basis of BGC remaining a separate club. In December 2009 the BGC made a decision to merge with HGC.

GW have continued to proceed with the NOR/resource consent on the basis of the stopbank location that was approved by GW in August 2008. The decision on the merger of the clubs has lead to some changes in the final stopbank location, confirmation that the Boulcott clubrooms and green keepers shed will be removed from their current location, the addition of golf friendly features and the construction methodology. At Boulcott Street, GW has requested BGC/HGC confirm their requirements so that the location of the stopbank can be confirmed prior to lodging the NOR and resource consent applications.

Public access will be retained along the top of the stopbank between Connolly Street and Ariki Street then along the base of the stopbank between Ariki Street and Boulcott Street. These changes are reflected in the draft application which was sent to BGC in December 2009.

Comments Received The following comments on the draft document were received form BGC:

1 While the Club supports in principle the designation process GWRC wishes to follow, the Club needs to better understand the impact that process will have on the use by the Club of its land and facilities.

2 The club with Hutt Golf Club and as part of the merger process is seeking RMA advice. Urban Perspectives Limited has been retained but will not commence looking at the issues until the merger board has approved funding.

3 In addition to this again as part of the merger process the Club may wish to include street access to a potential land development from Boulcott Street. Again this will be known once the merger process has bee completed.

4 While merger talks are progressing, there is no formal merger yet. If for any reason the merger is not effected, then the Boulcott Golf Club will need to retain all arrangements and/or reservations it has made or recorded as a separate Club, and formally reject in such case the designation which assumes a merger.

GW Response GW has worked with the Merger Board since December 2009 to reach an agreement which enables GW to enter the BGC and HGC land and construct the stopbank through the two golf courses.

In response GW has revisited its proposed construction planning and to a lesser extent the intended location of the proposed stopbank. GW has been able to accommodate the BGC requirements listed above and has changed the NOR to reflect the above.

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Construction activities will significantly damage some of the golf course features and surfaces of what will become the merged course. GW will reinstate these features at GW cost to fit into to the new lay out.

The BGC has also advised GW that in the future the merged clubs’ may wish to include street access to a potential land development from Boulcott Street. There is no flood protection reason why the stopbank cannot be moved at this point, to accommodate a request from the land owner, GW have moved the stopbank (refer to Appendix 8).

If the merger does not go ahead the extent and nature of the designation would not be affected and could remain in place. The land access agreements, construction timeframe and sequence would however need to be renegotiated with both BGC and HGC.

10.3.5 Local Residents

x Hathaway Ave GW has meet with the three most directly affected residents about the proposed location of the stopbank. In response GW has discussed the proposed location of the stopbank with the HGC. Changes to the height of proposed landscaping on the golf side of the stopbank have been incorporated to ensure that where players are walking or playing golf they are at least 2 metres lower than the crest of the stopbank. The stopbank location has been fixed at the corner of Hathaway Avenue as shown in Appendix 8 to provide these residents with a greater level of certainty of where the stopbank will be constructed.

Since discussions were held with these residents in July 2009 the HGC and BGC have been in discussions, and agreed in November 2009 to merge golfing interests. As a result HGC have requested that the stopbank is moved away from the boundary at Hathaway Avenue. GW has proposed to move the stopbank 10 metres into the existing course to meet the HGC request. Refer to as shown in Appendix 9.

Comments Received

Residents concerns remain largely unchanged since GW agreed on the current stopbank alignment in September 2008. In summary their concerns relate to:

- Stopbank location, and proximity to their boundaries;

- Loss of privacy.

- Loss of views of the golf course.

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- Adverse effect of these factors on the value of their properties.

- Golfer’s needs are being put ahead of directly affected residents.

The draft application was sent to numbers 18A to 22 Hathaway Ave. Summaries were sent to all those residents in the immediate vicinity of the stopbank in December 2009. One written response was received.

GW Response Changes have been made to the location of the stopbank and design features are shown in Appendix 3, 7 and 9.

As works are undertaken residents will continue to be updated.

x Sue and Andrew Coulson

Comments Received

Mr and Mrs Coulson’s main concern was about the future use of the land that was behind the proposed stopbank. In particular: they wanted to know:

- Is the intention is to rezone this land to residential?

- What percentage of this land will be residential? How many sections of land will be created? How much of the existing tree landscape will be affected?

- Is there any likelihood that this land could remain recreational for the use of the croquet club or similar or perhaps offered to the Boulcott School for playground extension?

A main attraction when we bought our property was the view across the golf club. We have since renovated to enhance this view and would be concerned about the negative effect on the value of our property. If the land on our boundary is to be rezoned residential then we would like to register our objection to the project as outlined in your 4 December letter.

GW Response This submission raises two main issues relating to the following:

- designation by GW of land required to build the new stopbank and associated works; and the potential

- future use of the land which will be located between the new stopbank and the Coulson’s property.

Designation of land for the stopbank construction:

The designation allows the construction of the stopbank and associated works only. The land GW requires to construct the stopbank is privately owned and GW have negotiated with both BGC and HGC to determine an appropriate location for the stopbank that meets the needs of the golf clubs

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but also takes into account the costs to the ratepayer and effects on adjoining residents.

The two golf clubs announced a decision to merge in November /December 2009. The alignment of the stopbank set out in the NOR is on the basis of this merger decision. GW understands that the merged club will not use the triangular piece of land for golfing purposes. Since the merger GW was asked to move the stopbank at the end of Boulcott Street to accommodate future access to the triangle of land behind the new stopbank. This is outlined in the application and shown in Appendix 7 and 9.

Future use of the land located between the new stopbank and Hathaway Avenue

HGC and BGC have indicated to GW that the merged club would sell or use this land for development. It is likely they or a new owner would require some form of consent from HCC. This could be rezoning the land, removing the flood hazard annotation and subdivision. All of which would be subject to HCC district plan rules.

GW is not aware of any plans (March 2010) and as the site is not zoned for residential development there are no applicable lots sizes or rules around this that are currently relevant. The adjoining residential zones are also quite different, for example, Hathaway Avenue properties are zoned Special Residential and have minimum lot sizes about 700m2 whereas Boulcott Street properties are zoned general residential and have much smaller minimum lot sizes.

Regarding the third bullet point this option has not been put to either GW or HCC. Boulcott School would need to get the Ministry of Education to agree to purchase the site, however, this is quite separate from GWs designation process.

Finally in terms of the last points the NOR refers only to the stopbank. The objections raised in the submission do not relate to the designation for flood protection or the construction of the stopbank but future use of golf course land.

x Lyall Mortimer

A summary of the application was sent and a full copy was forwarded by request in December 2009.

Comments Received

Mr Mortimer’s main concern relates to dust during the construction phase while he is happy in general with the proposed conditions he would like to see the addition of a condition that requires the contractor to stop all earthworks should the wind be such that dust is blown past the boundary. Also that some form of monitoring would be necessary to ensure compliance.

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Proposed condition 12 is not strong enough to prevent dust entering his property given that the prevailing wind is from the north. If his property is affected by dust from the work the contractor should be responsible for cleaning it.

GW Response Dust control issues raised by Mr Mortimer apply to all adjacent properties along the stopbank alignment. GW is well aware of the dust nuisance and will have effective controls in contracts to minimise the nuisance. While it may be impossible to prevent all dust going over the boundary GW agrees that work close to residential boundaries should not create a dust nuisance for residents.

GW and its contractors will inspect the adjacent properties, with the property owners, before commencing construction activities in any section. GW will make a photographic record of the condition of the property. Any damage to a property caused by dust generated from construction activities will be cleaned at GW cost.

x Boulcott Street

In preparation of this application GW has meet with the two most directly affected residents about the proposed location of the stopbank. Initial discussions were focused on the location of the stopbank in relation to the BGC Clubrooms and parking. The stopbank location is shown in Appendix 8 to provide residents with a greater level of certainty of where the stopbank will be constructed. Public access will be retained but shifted to the toe of the stopbank.

Further information about the proposed stopbank and the application was sent to other residents in the immediate vicinity of the stopbank. Several meetings were held with residents who live adjacent to the stopbank between Ariki Street and Boulcott School. Prior to selecting the proposed stopbank option the residents in Boulcott Street had supported the retention of the BGC and one had made several submissions about the retention of the golf course and associated open space.

Since these discussions were held with residents the HGC and BGC decided in November 2009 to merge golfing interests. One of the outcomes of this decision will be a merging of the golf courses removing the need for BGC to play over the proposed stopbank. As a result HGC asked GW in December 2009 to move the stopbank 20 metres further away from the boundary at the end of Boulcott Street.

Comments Received

Residents concerns received prior to the merger announcement remain largely unchanged since GW agreed on the current stopbank in September 2008. In summary the concerns of residents at 1 and 2 Boulcott Street were:

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- Traffic and parking issues associated with the BGC.

- BGC Clubrooms should be relocated.

- Final design of car parking and layout of the new entranceway once the stopbank is constructed.

- Privacy issues once the stopbank has been removed.

- They live here all the time, yet golfer’s needs are being put ahead of directly affected residents.

The draft application was sent to three residents at Numbers 1, 2 and 3c Boulcott Street. Summaries were sent to other residents in the immediate vicinity. One written response has been received.

GW has also meet with the owners of 1 Boulcott Street to clarify the proposed changes to the location of the stopbank shown in Appendix 8.

x Dennis Page

The following comments on the draft application were received by GW:

It is both disappointing and frustrating to note the degree of uncertainty that the current plans create as a result of the merger between the Hutt and Boulcott Golf Courses, particularly with respect to the bank alignment at the end of Boulcott Street, and the fate of the land bounded by 1 Boulcott St, the school and 22A Hathaway Avenue. This uncertainty is not obvious from the letter and maps that were mailed to local residents, dated 4 December 2009, and when read together, they convey the impression that there is little deviation from the “Boulcott Alternative” that was accepted by both GWRC and HCC in August 2008. They give no indication of the potential for substantial changes at the end of Boulcott Street and the potential for infill housing that is proposed by some on the interim committee of the ‘merged’ golf courses. The impression is not one of full disclosure, but rather a covert operation by some with the hope that residents won’t notice and object until it is too late…

In many respects, the uncertainty is equivalent to pushing a reset button - The “Boulcott Alternative” now seems void and it is as if the “Green Alignment” as proposed in the 2006-08 consultations is instead being imposed by stealth, despite it being rejected earlier. The decision to apply for designation over the entire land bounded by Harcourt-Werry Drive and the residential boundaries to the east is akin to a ‘moveable target.’ It is difficult to provide feedback when you are not certain what the target is from one month to the next.

In order to seek clarity over some of the current proposals, and as a result of our telephone conversation on 7 December 2009, I contacted John Freer (General Manager) of the Hutt Golf Club at your suggestion. My request to him to provide additional information on new alignments and their

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impact on the triangle of land described above, plus the end of Boulcott Street, was not helpful. I was told that no decision has been made, and until the Boulcott Club vacated its clubrooms in October 2010 and combined with HGC, the fate of the land and the alteration to any alignment of proposed stopbanks was open until some unspecified date after that. When I explained that GW was seeking preliminary feedback by 22 December 2009, that the NOR and resource consents were expected to be lodged at the end of January 2010, and that the merged clubs’ timelines and expectations were substantially mismatched with GW’s, no additional explanation or clarification was able to be offered. I was no more informed than prior to making the phone call.

Whilst I have no objections to improvements in flood protection or the nature in which the golf courses choose to conduct their administrative affairs / governance (whether individually or combined), I feel that the current situation has left residents, particularly at the end of Boulcott Street, out of the equation and that any input that we took the time to provide beforehand is of no consequence. The impression is also gained that because we are few in number and that the city overall stands to benefit, that any negative consequences that we suffer as a result of two large parties negotiating is inconsequential.

Second, having read the full document, I wish to make some comments with regards to points made in specific sub-sections of “Section Two.”

5) Nature/Detailed Description of the Proposed Works:

p 21 (5.1 - Proposed Works) - Preliminary nature of design mentioned in penultimate paragraph - particularly the statement that describes any changes from the drawings in Appendix 3 as not likely to materially change the nature of the anticipated environmental effects: Whilst this may be true from a design and construction point of view, any shift of the fortified bund from the current end of Boulcott Street will have major impacts on local residents - A request to shift the embankment 20 m or so closer to the river for the purposes of road construction to allow access to land immediately behind the school and odd-numbered houses in Boulcott Street will substantially impact on their environment and outlook. Not only will the house at 1 Boulcott Street be encapsulated on 3 sides by an access road, but the quiet ‘pastoral’ outlook will be removed and replaced by infill housing. Even with a ‘higher quality’ class of development, this will create extra noise for existing residents from increased vehicular traffic and the general activities associated with residential development.

6) Assessment of Environmental Effects:

p 45 (6.4 Neighbouring Community and Surrounding Land Uses - Boulcott Golf Course and Street)

Fifth paragraph - Mention of uncertainty of stopbank location - See comments made with respect to 5.1 above. In addition, as mentioned above

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under my general comments, there seems to be a mismatch between the timelines of when the golf courses consider it necessary to make a decision on alignments versus the statement “It is anticipated that any changes would be confirmed prior to lodging the NOR and resource consent application.” This mismatch of expectations needs to be addressed - Otherwise, how else can other interested/affected parties be expected to provide input if all of the facts are not disclosed? p 45 (6.4 Neighbouring Community and Surrounding Land Uses - Hutt Golf Course)

The second paragraph makes mention that residents between 18 and 22A Hathaway Avenue having views substantially altered by the new alignment. There is no mention made above under “Boulcott Golf Course” that residents in odd-numbered houses in Boulcott Street, before the school, also stand to have their views substantially altered - particularly by the effects of infill housing should new proposals accommodate this.

p 48 (6.5.1 Landscape and Visual Effects)

The second paragraph makes mention of potential to plant vegetation at the end of Boulcott Street as a form of mitigation - This would be contradicted by any effort to shift the embankment westward to accommodate any road access beside 1 Boulcott Street…

p 53 (6.8 Summary)

The second paragraph deals with long term negative effects raised by residents - but the prospects of infill housing as a consequence of GWRC’s works are not mentioned here - despite this being raised by the submitter on numerous occasions at GWRC meetings. The landscape and outlook that we currently enjoy will be radically altered if this occurs and not for the best!

10) Consultation:

p 105, 106 (Feedback since February 2009 - Boulcott and Hutt Golf Clubs)

See comments above with respect to uncertainty of location of stopbank at the end of Boulcott Street. The Golf courses may have been consulted, but no input has yet been sought from residents… p 107 (10.3.4 - Local Residents - Boulcott Street)

The statement that GW has met with the two most affected residents (presumably those residing at 1 & 2 Boulcott Street) underplays the significance of the project to other residents in the street - particularly those who live in odd numbered houses (3, 5, 7) before the school. We all stand to have substantial changes made to our environment even if we don’t have existing access roads or clubrooms located immediately adjacent to us. The proximity of these features should not be the guiding criteria as to who is consulted or not, or whose feedback is more

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significant. Under the current proposal, others stand to be impacted on just as significantly if a road is fed around the periphery of 1 Boulcott Street to access the land behind and beyond it. p 108 (Comments Received)

The five bulleted comments noted here again are quite subjective and do not just impact on the two properties immediately at the end of the street. Traffic and parking issues are not just a result of the existing golf course - The school has a significant impact, including on weekends and evenings when the hall is hired out. These issues and those of clubroom location, privacy etc can all be vetted prior to persons shifting into the street - almost all properties west of the Ariki Street intersection have changed hands in the ten years that I have resided at the above address. The negative impacts of infill hosing should also be raised here - I have raised it with GW on numerous occasions.

GW Response Fencing and planting along the boundary of the stopbank will be discussed with affected residents prior to construction starting. Where fencing and or planting is removed and / or damaged GW will make good in consultation with the affected land owner.

As works are undertaken residents will continue to be updated.

In relation to the comments received on the draft application from Mr Page. Changes have been made to the application to provide greater certainty about the HGC request to move the stopbank.

GW approved the Boulcott Hutt alternative stopbank option in 2008. Until December 2009 GW was intending to build a stopbank to accommodate both clubs. From November/December 2009 GW has had to revisit its stopbank design in light of the merged clubs objectives.

The stopbank has remained on the same alignment as the Boulcott Alternative apart from two main areas at:

- Connolly Street – the stopbank has shifted north to avoid the need to made significant changes to the existing carriageway and services located within the roadway:

- Boulcott Street – the stopbank has moved 20 metres for a short distance to accommodate a future road access.

From a flood protection perspective there is no reason why the stopbank could not be moved in this location to accommodate the request. While this may facilitate a future development of the land behind Boulcott Street and Hathaway Ave this is not in itself a reason GW could use to deny the landowners request.

Prior to the merger announcement GW had already discussed with BGC an option to move the stopbank around the existing BGC clubrooms. In terms

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of flood protection outcomes the effects of this option would have been very similar to the current decision to move the stopbank 20 metres forward at the end of Boulcott Street.

The future use of the BGC behind Boulcott Street and Hathaway Avenue is the merged clubs’ decision. A number of separate statutory processes would be required before the clubs’ could develop the site in a manner different to its existing zoning.

x Connolly Street

GW has meet with residents along both sides of Connolly Street regarding proposed changes to residential driveways and the heights of the retaining walls in Connolly Street. Initial discussions were focused on the location of the stopbank crest in relation to the existing road and the need to increase the height of Connolly Street to accommodate the new stopbank.

Since discussions were held with these residents GW has moved the crest of the upgraded stopbank to the former Rentokil site. This means that the height of Connolly Street can remain unchanged and no changes are required to the existing slipway or residential driveways as shown in Appendix 10.

Comments Received

Residents concerns about the proposed stopbank related to the:

- Height of the new retaining wall along Connolly Street and its potential to shade properties along the slipway;

- Extension of the slipway along Connolly Street and the difficultly this would present to people trying to exit onto Connolly Street;

- Traffic and parking issues associated with both Connolly Street and use of the slipway;

- Speed of traffic along Connolly Street; and

- Existing and future storm water runoff

A summary of the draft application was sent to these residents. No responses were received.

GW Response As works are undertaken residents will continue to be updated.

x Connolly Street slipway and Ariki Street private way

GW has meet with residents along the Connolly Street slipway and Ariki Street private way regarding proposed changes to the heights of the retaining wall in Connolly Street adjoining their private driveway. Initial discussions were focused on the location of the stopbank crest in relation to

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the existing road, the need to increase the height of Connolly Street and extend the slipway to accommodate the new stopbank, the location of the new stopbank crest and the public access on the top of the stopbank.

Since discussions were held with these residents GW has moved the crest of the upgraded stopbank further into the former Rentokil site. This means that the height of Connolly Street can remain unchanged and no changes are required to the existing slipway and the length of the proposed retaining wall in the private way as shown in Appendix 9. Fencing and planting along the boundary of the stopbank has been discussed with residents.

Comments Received

In summary, residents’ concerns related to:

- Traffic and parking issues associated with the changes proposed to Connolly Street;

- Privacy issues from people walking along the higher stopbank;

- The size of the stopbank and its potential to shade properties along the private way;

- The size of the retaining walls and encroachment onto the private way;

- Use of the private way for construction; and

- Stormwater runoff from the new stopbank and changes that might make the existing situation worse.

Summaries were sent to all these residents in December 2009. Three responses were received.

x John and Cathy Kilpatrick

Comments Received

As home owners of 36/2 Ariki Street we have specific concerns over the proposed construction of the Boulcott Stopbank.

- As our property seen on typical section D2 appears to have the existing fence line beyond the boundary line. We would welcome clarification that the development will not encroach or destroy our wall or existing fence.

- Our Certificate of Title and Deposited plan appear to show discrepancy over the correct number of the house as your survey does. We would welcome a site visit to discuss these issues.

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- It is a concern that the maintenance should be improved i.e. cutting the grass, spraying the weeds. This area of the bank appears to be frequently neglected compared to the rest of the region.

- Although there has been discussion over the drainage from the runoff from the stop bank; the lay out plans of the stopbank and associated works do not appear to clearly show a new drainage system outside the fence line of our properties. We welcome written support that adequate drainage outside our properties is in place for the run off.

- The issue over safety and privacy is always a concern. If a sealed surface is on the top of the stopbank this would increase the cycle and pedestrian traffic enormously; changing our peaceful environment.

GW Response

- From our survey work the wall and fence are located on GW land. Our policy is to remove encroachments from the stopbanks. GW has meet with you on site and agreed that the fence and wall will be removed from their existing location and moved to the boundary during construction.

- The numbering does appear to be different from what you use and what is recorded on official documents. GW has changed this on our database for correspondence sent to you.

- Maintenance and drainage - GW will ensure that the stopbank does not increase runoff and appropriate drainage will be provided.

- Safety and privacy - the stopbank will be sealed to Ariki Street at this point it will drop down to run on the buffer strip between the stopbank and the fence to Boulcott Street. The stopbank crest will be further away from you so the existing privacy and safety should not be any different to what they are at present.

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x Ian Baumgart

Comments Received

- The numbering of the properties need to be updated.

- We are all concerned about the increased run-off from the widened slope of the stopbank should be adequately intercepted outside our boundaries.

- Boundary fences between the bank and our properties which may be damaged during construction of the stopbank and drainage system should be repaired or replaced under the contract.

- Will the tall row of pine trees on the northern side of the stopbank be removed?

GW Response

The numbering does appear to be different from what you use and what is recorded on official documents. GW has changed this on our database for correspondence sent to you. You may need to follow this up if you are concerned about having a different number than what appears on your title.

Maintenance and drainage – GW will ensure that the stopbank does not increase runoff and appropriate drainage will be provided.

Any damage caused by GW contractors would be repaired or replaced and the Pine trees will be removed during construction of the stopbank.

x Ann Maxwell

Comments Received

I would like the idea of a fence being constructed along the boundary of our properties to be considered.

I have discussed this with two of the three adjoining neighbours and we are in agreement that a fence along the edge of the boundary would be of benefit in keeping people from wandering from the stop bank area on to our property and prevent rubbish and mower clippings littering our properties. It may also offer some level of privacy.

A timber fence with a timber capping rail the same as the fences on the opposite side of the driveway would appear to be the most appealing type of construction. We would consider it appropriate for the regional council to cover the costs of construction. However I do note that there is a pre existing fence already on the far side of the current stop bank bordering what was the Rentokil site. The fence would have to be removed for the new project and the materials appear to be in good condition. Recycling these materials may be an option you may wish to consider.

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We would also like some commitment from the Regional Council to maintain of the fence.

GW response

GW has agreed to construct and maintain a fence on GW owned land on the boundary with the private way from Connolly Street to the first house on the stopbank side. GW would also look at other options for example, a combination of landscaping and fence if residents thought that might look better.

In terms of the private way GW does not anticipate needing to use the private way to construct the stopbank. However, if access is required GW will contact and ask residents for their approval to use the private way before starting any work.

x Wider Community

GW has sent residents living in the immediate vicinity of the proposed stopbank together with those residents who live in Belmont (upstream of the stopbank) regular newsletters and updates. Summaries were sent to all these residents in December 2009.

Comments Received

No comments were received on the draft NOR/Resource consent documents.

10.3.6 Boulcott School

GW continues to send updates and has meet with Boulcott School to discuss the stopbank and the wider traffic issues associated with Boulcott Street. The initial meeting was held on the basis of BGC remaining a separate club. In November 2009 the BGC made a decision to merge with HGC and this will result in the removal of the access to the BGC via Boulcott Street.

These changes are reflected in the draft application which was sent to Boulcott School in December 2009.

Comments Received

Access to the Stopbank

- Boulcott School students and parents use the stopbank as a means of getting to and from school. This can be either by foot, pram or bike and is a safer option that using the street where cars are entering/existing driveways etc.

- To continue using this as a means for getting to and from school we will require access in to Boulcott Street/School and also at other entry points

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along the new riverbank i.e. Connolly Street, Ariki Street, Boulcott Street etc.

- Boulcott School has been an active participant in the Walking School Bus programme and has children coming from within our zone by foot. We would like this to be taken into consideration when planning the access points into or immediate school area.

River Access

- The school uses the Hutt River on a number of occasions throughout the year, including sporting events like school cross country, fun days, and picnics and learning expeditions to the river bed. It is also a major focus for EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) teaching.

- Our school cross country is traditionally held on the blue GWRC area beside the river as noted on your draft land ownership affected by stopbank plan.

- We are concerned that parts of the Riverbank will be closed off for the use of machinery.

Safety

- We would like to be involved in discussions relating to the safety of our community during the construction/upgrade of the stopbank.

- The large machinery that will be working around our school along with unstable grounds/piles of fill are a concern to us

- The school will have over 100 year 5/6 students working in our senior block. What will the noise implications be for our students in this bloc of classrooms that run from North to South away from the riverbank tree line?

- We request consideration be given to works being undertaken near our school during School Holiday periods to reduce noise interruptions.

Zoning

- On reviewing the layout plan of the stopbank and associated works we note that the area behind our school grounds will be vacant if the stopbank moves further into the golf course. There has been discussion that this land could be sold and our school then surrounded by housing. If this is a possibility we would like to be offered purchase options in consultation with the Ministry of Education.

- Additional housing will bring more students into our school zoning and we will need to accommodate for this by increased land area and classrooms/play areas.

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- From this plan we can see areas that additional houses may be introduced i.e. Back of Hathaway Ave, end of Boulcott Street. This will affect our school role.

Hathaway Ave – access/entry to school

- Should additional housing be established on current golf course land we would like consideration given to an entry/exit point into the back of Boulcott School from Hathaway Avenue.

Turning Bay at the end of Boulcott Street

- Our school would like to propose the inclusion of a turning bay at the end of Boulcott Street to accommodate the extra traffic that this could bring into our community. This facility would ease current traffic congestion.

GW Response

Access to the Stopbank

- Access between Boulcott Street, Ariki Street and Connolly Street will be retained. Access will be along a new path between Boulcott Street and Ariki Street and will then continue along the stopbank until Connolly Street. At Ariki Street a new footpath will be build on the roadside at the base of the new stopbank. Access will be provided from this new footpath to the stopbank and then to Boulcott Street.

Safety

- During construction there will be times when access to the construction site will be restricted. This would include areas that the school uses currently. GW will work with the school to discuss any potential implications and opportunities to provide other venues in the short term. Changes have been made to the year 1 and year 2 construction plans to accommodate construction of the major stopbank on the golf courses land in one construction season this should reduce the length of time parts of the golf course and GW land are unable to access/use by the School.

Zoning

- The land referred to is owned by the Boulcott and Hutt golf clubs. The Ministry of Education would need to contact the golf courses directly about any future use and or purchase of their land.

- The future use of the BGC behind Boulcott Street and Hathaway Avenue is the merged clubs’ decision. A number of separate statutory processes would be required before the clubs’ could develop the site in a manner different to its existing zoning.

Hathaway Ave – access/entry to school

- GW would help facilitate this where possible.

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Turning Bay at the end of Boulcott Street

- GW will look at this option with HCC and the school

10.3.7 Wellington Tenths Trust & Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui

Extent of Consultation Iwi representatives, from the Wellington Tenths Trust and Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui, have been part of the HRFMP Advisory Committee since it was formed. Meetings were in February 2009 with the Teri Puketapu, from Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui, and Liz Melish from Wellington Tenths Trust. An outcome of these meetings was the preparation of a Cultural Impact report (refer Appendix 10. A copy of the draft resource consent has been forwarded to the Tenths Trust and Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui, to comment on.

Comments Received The main issues identified by Iwi to date include concern for maintaining native fish passage, adverse effects on fish habitat caused by any river works and maintaining access to river for catching inanga. Concerns were also raised regarding any earthworks resulting in archaeological finds.

The following conditions are sought: - Because parts of the project area are traditional fishing areas that everything should be done to allow this practice to continue.

- That if in the earthworks koiwi (bones) or artefacts are unearthed work immediately cease. The Trust will be informed and that the appropriate rites and ceremonies are able to take place.

GW Response - Work to cease immediately if any archaeological finds are made and Iwi contacted.

- All works including the already consented gravel extraction are undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Code of Practice, including maintaining fish passage.

10.3.8 Department of Conservation (DOC)

The draft NOR/resource consent application was sent to DOC in December 2009.

Comments Received DOC advised GW that they had no comments on the draft NOR/Resource consent documents.

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10.3.9 Fish and Game NZ

The draft NOR/resource consent application was sent to them in December 2009.

Comments Received No comments on the draft NOR/Resource consent documents have been received.

10.3.10 Transpower

Consultation with Transpower is ongoing as their Melling substation site is located within the Hutt River Floodway and very close to the Hutt River itself. GW is also extremely aware of the various cables and overhead wires going into and out off the site.

In terms of the proposed stopbank location GW has met with Transpower to discuss the application and the proposal to change to their existing entrance of Connolly Street. The proposed realignment plans have been sent to Transpower for their comments. The draft NOR/resource consent application was sent to them in December 2009.

Comments Received

One of the main issues previously raised by Transpower was the apparent intention of GW to designate Transpower's existing Melling sub-station site. This is now no longer GW’s intent.

The access arrangements shown on the plans provided to Transpower are considered to be adequate and appropriate.

If the designation is to be confirmed, there will be a significant amount of construction activity to be undertaken in the vicinity of the sub-station site and some of this will need to undertaken within the transmission line corridor. To avoid potential adverse effects Transpower would expect that the designation needs to be subject to appropriate conditions relating to such construction activity and that these conditions will need to address dust, vibrations and safety clearances between mobile plant and overhead transmission lines.

The other main issue for Transpower is the effect that the designation works will have in terms of the flood risk to which the Melling sub-station is exposed. Including: - plans of the area in the vicinity of the Melling sub-station site showing the predicted flood levels under different rainfall events both before and after construction of the stopbank; and, - plans showing the nature and extent of channel improvements works in the vicinity of the Melling sub-station site; and, - information relating to the volume of flood waters, and flow speeds, in the channel area adjacent to the Melling sub-station site under different rainfall events both before and after construction of the stopbank.

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GW Response

The designation relates only to the construction of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank and associated works from Mills Street to Kennedy Good Bridge. The stopbank is located on the residential boundaries of the Safeway and the golf courses. The proposed works also include the Connolly Street realignment and a low bund of maximum height 1.5 metres along the Harcourt Werry boundary of the HGC. The proposed works are well outside the transmission line corridor.

GW expects to gain construction access to the Mills Street end of the stopbank along the river berm outside the Melling substation and across the transmission line corridor. Specific approvals from Transpower will be sought for making access tracks and truck movements in the transmission line corridor.

The proposed river channel improvements are now scheduled to commence in 2015 and consents will be sought during the period 2012 to 2015.

The river channel improvements lowers the estimated flood levels during a 1900 cumec (1 in 100 year) and 2300 cumec (1 in 440 year) flood events and slightly increases the flood levels during a 2800 cumec event. Note that Transpower is working to the 2300 cumec, design standard. GW has sent a copy of the hydraulic modelling report KGB to Melling, Hydraulic Modelling 2006 -2009 reference 18 to Transpower. Refer to section 6.3.6 for effects on flood levels in the Transpower site.

10.3.11 Safeway Storage Limited

Consultation with the Safeway Storage Ltd has been ongoing over a number of years as this site is also located within the Hutt River Floodway.

Since the Boulcott Hutt stopbank location was adopted Safeway Storage has been kept up-to-date with progress over 2009. As well as phone conversations and email letters were sent on the 17 June, 13 July and 24 October 2009. The draft NOR/resource consent application was sent to Safeway Storage in December 2009.

Comments Received Prior to February 2010 GW had not met with Safeway Storage representatives since GW agreed on the current stopbank alignment in September 2008. From phone conversations and correspondence received to date, Safeway Storage concerns prior to September 2008 (and recorded above) remain largely unchanged and in summary relate to:

x the upgraded stopbank continuing to exclude the Safeway Storage site.

In February 2010 GW meet with Safeway Storage to discuss a further option for the Safeway Storage Site. This option was proposed by Safeway Storage.

The proposed option involves constructing a concrete floodwall within the Safeway Storage site. The proposed floodwall would link into the existing

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stopbank in the vicinity of 56 Mills Street and cross Connolly Street and join the new stopbank in the vicinity of the vacant Rentokil site.

A 6 metre corridor on the northern boundary of the Safeway Storage site was offered for GW to use for this purpose. The removal of the large shed along this boundary would be permitted by Safeway Storage to facilitate construction.

GW looked at the option outlined above and included in its review the following:

- Stopbank safety, security and sustainability - Hydraulics - Costs - Ongoing maintenance, access and repairs to the floodwall

GW also considered the affect on the Transpower site and whether any land would be required from Transpower.

GW Response

In response to the above GW investigated two new alignment options for the Safeway section, namely a floodwall and a stopbank. Refer to Appendix 13 for the locations of the two new alignments. Both new options would require further refinement to take account of and, if necessary, reduce any adverse impacts on the Transpower site during major floods.

The estimated costs of the three options are:

x Proposed option (GW land) $3.0 million

x Stopbank option (Safeway land) $3.8 million

x Floodwall option (Safeway land) $4.6 million

The difference between the current option and the flood wall option is so significant that GW saw no merit in examining the floodwall option further. As the difference between the current option and the stopbank option is materially greater, GW is reluctant to examine it further unless some compensating factor is identified.

The estimates above are different from earlier estimates and, in the case of the current option, significantly lower. Since the original estimate was made, further work has been undertaken to refine the alignment of the proposed (previously called “Green”) option. This has produced a substantial cost saving resulting from the elimination of the need to provide expensive access upgrades to properties along Connolly Street.

As to the floodwall option, GW was aware that the costs, estimated in 2006, were likely to be on the low side. This was reported to the Hutt River Advisory Committee in September 2006 (Report PE PE06.530) and the

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relevant section from the report is set out below. A copy of Report PE 06.530 was sent to Safeway Storage on 25 January 2007.

From Report PE06.530

In the Safeway section, the ‘Green’ option scores highest in the option evaluation. This option will affect the access to a number of private properties as Connolly Street needs to be raised to pass over the new stopbank.

An alternative route does exist through the south rear of the TransPower substation site with the construction of a 3.5 metre high concrete flood wall. This is not favoured because of the height of the wall, the questionable foundation and the generally unknown robustness of the flood wall system in the New Zealand context. Inspection of the Hutt District Plan also revealed the TransPower site is a noted Pa site possessing significant cultural and archaeological resources. The costs for this option are likely to increase when the foundation costs are known.

GW is still not fully aware of the foundation conditions along the proposed route of the high concrete floodwall. However, for the purposes of this cost assessment, GW has assumed that the foundation conditions would be similar to those observed in nearby test pits.

GW believes that a stopbank on the proposed alignment, on GW land and away from the river, is not only far superior to a floodwall constructed closer to the river but is significantly less expensive. GW does not consider the floodwall option can be justified on either engineering or financial grounds.

GW will continue discussions with Safeway Storage in parallel with the formal NOR process.

10.3.12 Hutt City Council (City Infrastructure)

Extent of Consultation Consultation with the Hutt City Council (HCC) has been ongoing since October 1998. In addition, Hutt City Councillors are representatives on the Hutt River Floodplain Advisory Committee and the meetings are also attended by Hutt City Council officers.

More recently, the Hutt River Advisory Subcommittee (HRASC) has been advised of the NOR and resource consent applications. HCC has been sent a draft of the resource consent in December 2009. Meetings have been held on a regular basis with HCC officers. Apart from discussion on the NOR itself the HCC also has an operational input in terms of the road realignment at Connolly Street, traffic management plans, proposed stormwater changes and public access.

Meetings have been held with HCC prior to the draft being prepared.

The draft NOR/resource consent application was sent to City Infrastructure, HCC in December 2009.

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Comments Received

City Infrastructure, HCC has made the following comments:

1. The detail of all public water supply, wastewater and stormwater works carried out in association with the Boulcott stopbank upgrading project shall be subject to approval by Hutt City Council before a contract for water supply, wastewater or stormwater works is awarded.

2. There is a localised area on the river side of the stopbank in the Ariki St area that is zoned “River Recreation” (blue in the diagram)

Although 7C 2.1 of the Hutt City District Plan provides for “Works necessary for the management of any river or stream by the Wellington Regional Council or the Hutt City Council” to be a Permitted Activity, it is doubtful if pipelines for the drainage of urban stormwater fit into this category. 13.2.2 of the Hutt City District Plan provides for “Underground utilities in the Special, Passive and River Recreation Activity Areas” to be a controlled activity. It is possible that stormwater pipelines for the drainage of the Ariki Street area may need to be laid in the River Recreation area in the above diagram in which case a Resource Consent from Hutt City Council will be required unless the designation sought negates this requirement.

3. The need for backflow protection is not confined to stormwater drains. Backflow protection is also required on any wastewater (sewer) drains passing under the stopbank

4. Although it is probable that stormwater drains constructed under the stopbank will operate as gravity drains, they shall be constructed so that they can be used as pumping station delivery drains if pumping stations are provided in the future.

5. Suitable provisions shall be provided (access etc) to facilitate the maintenance of any soakpits provided as part of the stormwater system in the area.

6. All stormwater drains shall be designed to take account of predicted climate change, likely changes in the permeability of the catchment and in compliance with current HCC standards for levels of stormwater protection.

7. We recommend that there is a specific condition in the proposed Resource Consent relating to the control of silt associated with the construction of the stopbank and any other earthworks.

8. A Drainage Consent issued by Hutt City Council under the Building Act 2004 will be required for the physical construction of the drains.

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GW Response

In response to the points raised above about the stormwater and sewer pipes that GW is either moving and or upgrading GW will continue to work closely with HCC to ensure their specifications are complied with. A separate written agreement covering these matters can be entered into if required by HCC.

GW intends to install silt fences on each side of the stopbank (refer Appendix 3) to prevent as far as possible silt run-off. GW would agree to a condition in relation to the installation of silt fences.

In relation to consents for stormwater drains required under the district plan the designation covers any resource consent that would be required from HCC. A drainage consent if required will be applied for separately.

10.3.14 New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)

Extent of Consultation GW and NZTA staff met to discuss the wider KGB to Ewen Project. The widening of the Hutt River and later works which are much closer to SH2 will be the subject of ongoing discussions. The draft application was sent to NZTA in December 2009.

In March 2010 GW meet with NZTA to discuss the draft application.

Comments Received NZTA are concerned that the Boulcott Hutt stopbank would not compromise NZTAs future proposals for SH2 and a new Melling interchange.

GW Response The proposed Boulcott Hutt Stopbank is a part of the Ewen to KGB flood protection works recommended in the Hutt River Flood Plan Management Plan. The Ewen to KGB project has three components; Boulcott/Hutt stopbank from Safeway to KGB, City Centre stopbank from Safeway to Ewen Bridge and River channel improvements from KGB to Ewen. The Boulcott/Hutt stopbank is scheduled for construction from October 2010 to June 2013. The planning and the detailed design process for the other two components will commence in 2012.

The proposed Boulcott/Hutt stopbank is being constructed to a 2800 cumec standard which is the standard agreed in the HRFMP. The stopbank crest levels have been set considering the proposed river channel improvements from KGB to Ewen. These channel improvements will be further refined at the detailed design stage.

The new hydraulic model of the river includes some allowances for the proposed SH2 improvements from KGB to Melling. The model could be changed to simulate the new SH2 proposals to identify any impacts on the floodway. GW believes that there remains sufficient scope within our projects and the SH2/Melling proposals to accommodate the Hutt River and SH2

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proposals respectively without compromising the requirements of either GW or NZTA.

10.3.15 Utility Operators

Extent of Consultation GW has meet with staff of WELL, HCC and Capacity to discuss the proposed stopbank and its potential affect on existing services. A services plan has been prepared and is attached in Appendix 8. GW intends to relocate a number of existing pipes, services and drains affected by the stopbank all of which will be undertaken by GW in consultation with the service provider. An Executive Summary was sent to them in December 2009.

Comments Received No comments have been received. Capacity’s comments were included in the response from HCC

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11 Summary and Conclusions

GW is seeking to designate and obtain resource consents for the proposes of constructing and maintaining the Boulcott Hutt stopbank and associated works.

GW considers that the proposed mitigation measures together with the increased flood protection provided to the community from construction of the Boulcott Hutt stopbank warrant the approval of this application.

This report has described the proposal and provided an Assessment of Effects on the Environment (AEE) in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991. The assessment has concluded that the proposal will make a positive contribution toward the overall safety and flood protection of the Lower Hutt valley.

It is GWs expectation that the application will be publicly notified. Therefore, the conclusions reached in this assessment will be tested against the provisions of the RMA and be subject to overall public scrutiny.

Flood Protection Department Greater Wellington Regional Council

March 2010

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12 References

1 Berghan T, Cox J, Greater Wellington Regional Council [2009] Boulcott Hutt stopbank Consultation Strategy Phase Two Internal Working Document

2 Boffa Miskell [1993] Hutt River Flood Control Scheme Review – Topic 11: Environmental Investigations Component Volumes 1-7.

3 Borrer, S, Wellington Regional Council [2005] Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan - Hutt River Gravel Analysis 1998 – 2004.

4 Borrer, S, Wellington Regional Council [2005] Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan - Hutt River Gravel Analysis 2004 – 2005.

3 Easter, J, (Ernst & Young) Editor [1996] Living with the River, Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan: Phase 1 Summary Report.

4 Greater Wellington Regional Council [2009] Boulcott Management Plan – Committee Reports – March 1999 to December 2001.

5 Greater Wellington Regional Council [2009] Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan – Committee Reports – March 1999 to December 2001.

6 Minson, R.J, Wellington Regional Council [1997] Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan - Hutt River Gravel Analysis.

7 Minson, R.J, Wellington Regional Council [1998] Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan - Hutt River Gravel Analysis 1987 – 1998.

8 MWH [2008] Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank Summary Report, December 2008 report prepared for GWRC.

9 MWH [2008] Greater Wellington Regional Council Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank Feasibility Study May 2008 MCA Summary Document

10 MWH [2007] Greater Wellington Regional Council Feasibility Report Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank Feasibility Study Volume 1 Report and Appendices, February 2007.

11 MWH [2007] Greater Wellington Regional Council Feasibility Report Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank Feasibility Study Volume 2 Drawings, February 2007.

12 MWH [2007] Greater Wellington Regional Council Phase 2 Feasibility Report- Additional Information, Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank Feasibility Study Volume 1 Text and Appendices, September 2007.

13 MWH [2007] Greater Wellington Regional Council Phase 2 Feasibility Report- Additional Information, Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank Feasibility Study Volume 2 Drawings, September 2007.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 142 March 2010

14 MWH [2008] Greater Wellington Regional Council [2008] Phase 3 Feasibility Report- Additional Information, Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank Feasibility Study Volume 1 Text and Appendices, April 2008.

15 MWH [2008] Greater Wellington Regional Council Final Phase 3 Feasibility Report- Proposed Boulcott Golf Course Variations, Boulcott/Hutt Stopbank Feasibility Study Volume 2 Drawings, April 2008.

16 MWH [2009] Boulcott Golf clubrooms Relocation Traffic Impact Assessment, Prepared for Greater Wellington

17 Raukura Consultants [2009] Cultural Impact Report Motutawa-Maraenuku Boulcott Hutt River Project – final

18 Tourism Resource Consultants (TCR) [2010] Hutt River Trail User Survey Kennedy Good to Ewen Bridges - FINAL REPORT March 2010

19 Wallace, P. [2010] River Edge Consulting Ltd, Kennedy-Good to Melling Hydraulic Modelling 2006-2009.

20 Wellington Regional Council [2001] Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan.

KGB to Ewen Project – Boulcott Hutt Stopbank WGN_DOCS-#727411-V1 143 Water, air, earth and energy – elements in Greater Wellington’s logo that combine to create and sustain life. Greater Wellington promotes Quality for Life by ensuring our environment is protected while meeting the economic, cultural and social needs of the community

For more information, contact Greater Wellington:

Wellington office Masterton office Upper Hutt office Photo Credit GW/FP/G/10/28 PO Box 11646 PO Box 41 PO Box 40847 Flown by Laurie Cairns March 2010 Manners Street Masterton 5840 Upper Hutt 5140 for GW Wellington 6142 T 06 378 2484 T 04 526 4133 www.gw.govt.nz T 04 384 5708 F 06 378 2146 F 04 526 4171 F 04 385 6960