1 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6
5.9 Tukituki River Catchment 5.9.1 Fresh Water Objectives
OBJ TT1 To sustainably manage the use and development of land, the discharge of contaminants including nutrients, and the taking, using, damming, or diverting of fresh water in the Tukituki River catchment so that:
(a) Groundwater levels, river flows, lake and wetland levels and water quality maintain or enhance the habitat and health of aquatic ecosystems, macroinvertebrates, native fish and trout;
(b) Water quality enables safe contact recreation and food gathering;
(ba) Water quality enables safe and reliable human drinking water supplies;
(c) There are fewer occurrences The frequency and duration of excessive periphyton growths1 that adversely affect recreational and cultural uses and amenity are reduced;
(d) The significant values of natural wetlands are protected;
(e) The mauri of surface water bodies and groundwater is recognised and adverse effects on aspects of water quality and quantity that contribute to healthy mauri are avoided, remedied or mitigated; and (f) The taking and use of water for primary production and the processing of beverages, food and fibre is
enabled provided for; and
(g) The adverse effects of existing community wastewater discharges to surface water are managed through the use of best practicable options.
OBJ TT2 Where the quality of fresh water has been degraded by human activities to such an extent that Objective TT1 is not being achieved, water quality shall not be allowed to degrade further and it shall be improved to improve its quality progressively over time so that OBJ TT1 is achieved by 2030.
TT3 To ensure that:
(a) as a first priority land use activities and discharges to land do not cause groundwater quality to degrade to the extent that it is unsuitable for domestic and stock water drinking purposes,. or
(b) Alternatively if such degradation does occur, the water supplies of the affected people and communities are treated to an appropriate standard for the uses being made of the water or alternative potable water supplies are provided.
OBJ TT4 To manage the abstraction of surface water and groundwater within a minimum flow regime and allocation limits that achieve OBJ TT1 while recognising that existing takes support significant investment.
In recognition that the security of supply for existing surface water irrigation takes is low, to avoid any further allocation of surface water and groundwater to individual consented abstractors and not reallocate water that is freed up through the surrender or non-renewal of individuals’ existing surface water and groundwater take consents.1
OBJ TT4A To recognise that industry good practice for land and water management can assist with achieving Objectives TT1, TT2 and to TT4.
OBJ TT5 Subject to Objectives TT1, TT2 and to TT3 TT4, to enable the development of on-farm storage and Community Irrigation Schemes2 that improve and maximise the efficient allocation and efficient use of water.
1 Growths that exceed the periphyton limits and targets set in Table 5.9.1B.
2The term References to Community Irrigation Scheme as used in chapter 5.9 of the RRMP means a water supply system that is capable of supplying irrigation water to at least 5,000 hectares of land is defined in the Glossary.
Comment [RvV1]: In response to the cross-examination of EDS and questions from the Board Comment [a2]: Agreed by all planners at 7 January Conferencing to delete OBJ TT1(g) and replace it with new Policy TT3A
Comment [RvV3]: Minor editing improvement given there is no OBJ TT3 anymore.
2 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6
5.9.2 Water Quality Policies
POL TT1 SURFACE WATER QUALITY LIMITS, TARGETS AND STATE INDICATORS
1. In surface water bodies3 in Water Management Zones 1, 2, 3 and 5 Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will (in Table 5.9.1B):
(a) Set instream water quality concentration limits and targets4 for nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) to avoid protect aquatic fauna from toxicity effects on aquatic fauna;
(b) Set instream water quality concentration limits and targets4 for dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) and instream targets for periphyton biomass and cover (with the targets to be met by 1 July 2030).
2. In surface water bodies in Water Management Zone 4 Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will (in Table 5.9.1B) set dissolved inorganic nitrogen and dissolved reactive phosphorus limits that reflect existing5 instream water quality concentrations in recognition that the existing level of periphyton biomass and cover is currently acceptable and it should not be permitted to increase due to that Zone’s existing high biodiversity values.
3. In surface water bodies6 in all Water Management Zones Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will:
(a) Set (in Tables 5.9.1A ) instream water quality limits for Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Total Ammoniacal Nitrogen and Other Toxicants;
(b) Set (in Table 5.9.1B and C) environmental state indicators7 for the Macroinvertebrate Community Index (MCI), Visual Water Clarity and Deposited Sediment.
4. Manage point source discharges and the use of production land upstream of any registered drinking water supply takes to ensure compliance with the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Sources of Human Drinking Water) Regulations 2007 and the Drinking-Water Standards for New Zealand).
POL TT2 GROUNDWATER QUALITY LIMITS 1. For groundwater Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will:
(a) Subject to OBJ TT3, Manage the adverse effects of activities likely to affect the quality of groundwater located 10m or more below ground level in accordance with the limits for aesthetic, organic and inorganic determinands; Escherichia coli and nitrate-nitrogen set in Table 5.9.2;
(aa) Set (in Table 5.9.2) an environmental state indicator for the annual average concentration of nitrate- nitrogen;
(ab) Manage activities likely to affect the quality of groundwater connected to and affecting surface water quality having regard to effects on the achievement of the limits and targets set in Tables 5.9.1A and 5.9.1B;
(b) Manage point source discharges and the use of production land upstream of any registered drinking water supply takes to ensure compliance with the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Sources of Human Drinking Water) Regulations 2007 and the Drinking-Water Standards for New Zealand.
3Excluding Lake Hatuma.
4“Limits” apply where the existing water quality is better than the desired numerical value and “targets” apply where the existing water quality is worse than the desired numerical value.
5 In POL TT1 to TT15 and Rules TT1 to TT5 “existing” means as at [date of PC notification]. “Existing” is defined in the Glossary.
6Excluding Lake Hatuma.
7 “Indicators” define what the state of certain water quality parameters should be in order to safeguard the life supporting capacity of the water body but they are not “limits” or “targets”. The “indicators” stated will be used by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to monitor the effectiveness of the RRMP in achieving the purpose of the RMA in the Tukituki River catchment. The monitoring data collected on the indicators will also inform decision-makers on consent applications about the state of the background environment against which applications should be assessed.
Comment [a4]: Agreed by all planners present after 11am at 7 January Conferencing
3 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6 2. The implementation of POL TT2(1) shall take into account uncertainties associated with variables such as the location of the activity, the spatial and temporal nature of groundwater flows, seasonal variations in groundwater levels, and the effects of historical production land use activities on existing and future groundwater quality.
POL TT3 RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT LIMITS FOR POINT SOURCE DISCHARGES
1. In surface water bodies8 in all Water Management Zones Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will manage point source discharges so that after reasonable mixing, contaminants discharged (either by themselves or in combination with the same, similar, or other contaminants) do not cause:
(a) in addition to not causing the Table 5.9.1A and 5.9.1B limits to be exceeded; or
(b) , do not cause the following receiving environment limits to be exceeded at any time9 all year round:
(a) The percentage reduction to the Quantitative Macroinvertebrate Community Index (QMCI) score relative to the QMCI upstream of the discharge should not exceed 20% at all flows;
(b) The daily average of the five days filtered / soluble carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (ScBOD5) shall not exceed 2 mg/L at flows less than the median flow;
(c) The average particulate organic matter (POM) shall not exceed 5 mg/L at flows less than the median flow;
(d) The concentration of Total Ammoniacal Nitrogen (TNH3-N) (at pH=8.0, Temp=20°C) shall not exceed 4.3 mg/L the acute limits tabulated in Schedule XXIII at all flows (to avoid acute toxicity effects)10; (e) The percentage reduction to the water clarity relative to the water clarity upstream of the discharge
should not exceed:
(i) 20% at flows less than the median flow in all rivers in Water Management Zone 4, 20% at flows less than the median flow in the mainstem of the Tukituki River in Water Management Zones 1 and 3 and the mainstem of the Waipawa River and the Mangaonuku Stream in Water Management Zone 2;
(ii) 30% at flows less than the median flow in all other rivers in the Tukituki catchment.
2. The implementation of POL TT3(1) shall take into account the need to accommodate:
(a) measurement uncertainties associated with variables such as location, flows, seasonal variation and climatic events;
(b) in relation to discharges, the degree to which a discharge is of a temporary nature, or is associated with necessary maintenance work.
POL TT3A MANAGING EXISTING COMMUNITY WASTEWATER DISCHARGES
1. Existing community wastewater discharges to surface water are provided for on the basis of best practicable option treatment over time.
8Excluding Lake Hatuma.
9“At any time” means for any single occasion that the water quality immediately downstream of the end of the reasonable mixing zone is sampled.
10 Refer to Schedule XXIII for total ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations at other pHs and temperatures.
Comment [RvV5]: In response to the cross-examination of Dr Ausseil by EDS. Implements Additional JWS of Olivier Ausseil Kathryn McArthur and Adam Uytendaal on Change 6 water quality limits, dated 4 November 2013, clause 4
Comment [a6]: Agreed by all planners at 7 January Conferencing
4 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6 POL TT4 IMPLEMENTING THE NITRATE-NITROGEN LIMITS
1. To ensure that the Table 5.9.1B nitrate-nitrogen surface water quality limits and the Table 5.9.1D maximum allowable catchment nitrogen load are not exceeded, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will:
(a) From 1 July June 2013 onwards, require farm properties or farming enterprises exceeding 4 hectares in area to either:
(i) keep the records specified in Schedule XXI so that Nutrient Budgets can be calculated using Overseer11 (or an alternative model approved by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council12) if required prior to 1 July 31 May 2018; or
(ii) keep copies of Overseer input and output files that have been prepared in accordance with an industry programme approved by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council;
Except that for low intensity farming systems the property size threshold shall be 10 hectares. This exception is to recognise that low intensity farming systems have low nitrogen losses. The farming systems included in this category may be further developed and included in the Regional Resource Management Plan via a plan change prior 31 May 2018.
(b) Require industry good practices (including nitrogen conversion efficiencies) to be implemented on farm properties or farming enterprises in order to minimise nitrogen losses;
(c) Recognise that the Tukituki River catchment is generally in a state of under-allocation with respect to instream nitrate-nitrogen limits and the Table 5.9.1D maximum allowable catchment nitrogen load and therefore:
(i) Allow a reasonable time (by 1 July 2017) for the primary industry sector to develop industry good practice nitrogen leaching rates and nitrogen conversion efficiencies for different production land use, soil type and climate, and to provide industry support to farmers to prepare on-farm Nutrient Budgets;
(ii) Include industry good practice nitrogen leaching rates and nitrogen conversion efficiencies in the Regional Resource Management Plan via a plan change prior to 1 July 31 May 201812A;
(iii) Provide until 1 July 31 May 2018 for the managers of existing farming properties and farming enterprises operations to model nitrogen leaching rates through the preparation of Nutrient Budgets13 which must be updated thereafter at least three yearly in accordance with the methodology set out in TT4(1)(e).and The initial Nutrient Budgets must be provided to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council while the three yearly updates need only be provided to the Council upon written request;
(iiia) Require that the records kept in accordance with POL TT4(1)(a) and (c)(iii) are to be reviewed annually in accordance with an industry programme approved by Hawke's Bay Regional Council (or in the absence of an industry programme, as directed by Hawke's Bay Regional Council) to assess
11 Overseer is a nutrient budget model that calculates and estimates the nutrient flows in a productive farming system. It isowned and administered by the Ministry of Primary Industry, Fertiliser Association of New Zealand and AgResearch. The Overseer model is available at http://www.overseer.org.nz/Home.aspx. If a new version of Overseer is released then any nitrogen leaching rates previously calculated with the superseded version must be recalculated using the new version and the same input data as was used previously.
12 To be approved by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council any alternative nitrogen loss model would need to be fit for purpose for the production land use, have a demonstrable repeatability of results, be field tested, and be validated to accepted scientific standards.
12A Industry good practice leaching rates for the production land use and soil type will be determined by HBRC in consultation with primary sector industry groups.
13 A Nutrient Budget is defined in the Glossary means either:
(a) a budget prepared in accordance with the “Code of Practice for Nutrient Management (with Emphasis on Fertiliser Use), 2007” published by the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand, and which is prepared or approved by a person who is a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor or who has completed both the “Intermediate” and the “Advanced” courses in “Sustainable Nutrient Management in New Zealand Agriculture” conducted by Massey University. The information requested by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council shall be provided in an electronic format compatible with HBRC’s information systems and may include but shall not be limited to the following reports from Overseer or their equivalent if an alternative model is used: Nutrient Budget, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Summary, Nitrogen Overview; or (b) an auditable sector specific default nitrogen leaching rate derived from industry specific, statistically representative data for nitrogen
leaching rates less than 15 kgN/ha/year.
13A POLs TT4(1)(d), (e) and (f) do not apply to discharges of industrial and trade wastewater to land. Those activities are managed under POLs 16 and 17 and Rules 49 and 52 of the RRMP.
Comment [RvV7]: New catchment- wide cap on nitrogen losses
Comment [RvV8]: In response to the cross-examination of Mr Millner by Federated Farmers. Wording slightly amended to be consistent with POL TT4(1)(c)(ii)
Comment [RvV9]: New catchment- wide cap on nitrogen losses
Comment [RvV10]: Amendment as
“existing” is a defined term whose use is not appropriate here.
Comment [RvV11]: Amendment for consistency of wording.
Comment [RvV12]: In response to cross examination of RvV by Fert NZ and as set out in Appendix A of the Representation Evidence of Mr Sneath Comment [RvV13]: In response to cross examination of RvV by Fert NZ and as set out in Appendix A of the Representation Evidence of Mr Sneath
5 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6 whether any farm system changes are evident in the previous 12 months. If such a change is evident, the Nutrient Budget for the farm system must be updated to determine whether the nitrogen leached from the land exceeds the relevant Policy TT4(1)(e) benchmark leaching rate by the amounts specified in POL TT4(1)(f).
(iv) Provide until 1 July 31 May 2020 for farm properties or farming enterprises to implement any necessary changes to their farming systems to achieve industry good practice nitrogen leaching rates and nitrogen conversion efficiencies;
(d) Require the use of production land13A in those Tukituki River sub-catchments where there are localised exceedences of Table 5.9.1B (surface water) and Table 5.9.2 (groundwater) nitrate-nitrogen targets14 to be subject to a land use consent under Rule TT2 if the targets are still exceeded or become exceeded after 1 July 201814A;
(da) By 30 June 2018 HBRC will develop a Procedural Guideline in collaboration with primary sector representatives setting out how POL TT4(1)(d) and (h) and conditions (k) and (l) of Rule TT1 will be implemented. The Guideline will include, but not be limited to: the process for monitoring water quality trends and alerting affected farming properties if water quality limits or the MACNL are being approached;
delineation of the ‘capture zone’ for the relevant water body (the area of groundwater or surface water contributing to the particular part of the water body in question); and, where Rule TT2 is triggered, an adaptive management process for reducing nitrogen leaching from affected farming properties based on the implementation of progressively more stringent on-farm management practices.
(e) Manage more than minor increases15 in existing nitrogen leaching rates through a resource consent process under Rule TT2. Any increase in nitrogen leaching shall generally be determined relative to the greater of the following benchmarks (to be established before 1 June 2018):
(i) A whole of farm leaching rate of 15 kg/ha/year15A as determined by a Nutrient Budget; or
(ii) For dairying, sheep and beef, and permanent horticultural crops – the rolling average leaching rate for the whole farm property or farming enterprise as modelled by Overseer (or an alternative model approved by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council) over a two consecutive three year period; or
(iii) For arable farming, non-permanent horticulture and cropping or mixed arable/cropping/livestock farming/non-permanent horticulture – the rolling average leaching rate for the whole farm property or farming enterprise as modelled by Overseer (or an alternative model approved by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council) over a consecutive seven year period;
(iiia) For commercial forestry - the average leaching rate for the forested portion of the property over the rotation period for the forest;
(iv) Where records are not available to model average leaching rates for a farm property or farming enterprise, the methodology described in Schedule XXI shall be used.
(f) Categorise any use of production land as a Restricted Discretionary Activity where the increase in whole farm property or whole farming enterprise nitrogen leaching as modelled by Overseer (or an alternative model approved by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council) exceeds the lesser of:
1. An increase of 10% 30% or more in leaching rate relative to the relevant Policy TT4(1)(e) benchmark for sheep and beef farms, arable farming and cropping, mixed arable/livestock farms (including those farms which winter dairy cows or graze young dairy stock), permanent horticultural crops or forestry; or
14At the time of Plan Change notification, based on two discrete sampling exercises, there were localised exceedences in the KahahakuriandMangapohio tributaries.
14ABy 30 June 2018 HBRC will develop a Procedural Guideline in collaboration with primary sector representatives setting out how POL TT4(1)(d) and conditions (k) and (l) of Rule TT1 will be implemented. The Guideline will include, but not be limited to: the process for monitoring water quality trends and alerting affected farming properties if water quality limits are being approached; delineation of the ‘capture zone’ for the relevant water body (the area of groundwater or surface water contributing to the particular part of the water body in question); and, where Rule TT2 is triggered, an adaptive management process for reducing nitrogen leaching from affected farming properties based on the implementation of progressively more stringent on-farm management practices.
15An increase includes a single increase and cumulative increases over time and is defined by the application of POL TT4(1)(f).
15A Comprising any Nutrient Budget within the range of 10 kgN/ha/year to 20 kgN/ha/year.
Comment [RvV14]: In response to the cross-examination of Mr Millner by Federated Farmers. Wording slightly amended to be consistent with POL TT4(1)(c)(ii)
Comment [RvV15]: New Footnote 14A agreed between Fertiliser Association of NZ and HBRC
Comment [RvV16]: Elevate Footnote to a policy provision and amend to deal with MACNL. Addresses submitter concerns that having this policy implementation guidance in a Footnote is inappropriate.
Comment [RvV17]: In response to questions to RvV from the Board Comment [RvV18]: In response to cross-examination of RvV by Fert NZ.
Subsequently agreed to by Mr Millner.
Also as set out in Appendix A of the Representation Evidence of Mr Sneath Comment [RvV19]: Amendment agreed between Horticulture NZ and HBRC
6 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6 1A An increase of 10% or more in leaching rate relative to the relevant Policy TT4(1)(e) benchmark
for dairy farms and commercial vegetable crops.
2. An absolute increase in leaching rate that equals or exceeds 5 kg/ha/yr.
(g) Require production land that requires a resource consent under POLTT4(1)(f) to prepare a Farm Environmental Management Plan prepared in accordance with Schedule XXII.
(h) Categorise any use of production land as a Non-Complying Activity where that would result in the Table 5.9.1D maximum allowable catchment nitrogen load (MACNL) being exceeded. This applies only to the particular farming property or farming enterprise that causes the MACNL to be exceeded and all other existing activities shall continue to be authorised as Permitted Activities under Rule TT1 or under any existing consents granted under Rule TT2.
2. To assist with monitoring the effectiveness of POL TT4(1) the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will by 1 July 2017:
(a) By 1 July 2018 confirm the maximum allowable catchment nitrogen load (MACNL) and determine the maximum allowable water management zone loads16 (MAZL) for nitrogen and estimate the actual farm scale nitrogen losses in each zone using the methodology described in Schedule XIX; and
(b) Compare the farm property or farming enterprise scale nitrogen losses at a catchment, water management zone level and, where appropriate, a sub-catchment scale with the MACNL and MAZLs and use this information when assessing resource consent applications for the use of production land and incorporate that information in its regular state of the environment reporting;
(c) Undertake a review of the MACNL when the catchment wide nitrogen losses reach 90% of the MACNL;
and
(d) Incorporate that information in its regular state of the environment reporting and report on it annually.
POL TT5 IMPLEMENTING THE PHOSPHORUS LIMITS AND TARGETS
1. To ensure that the Table 5.9.1B dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) surface water quality limits are not exceeded and to attain the Table 5.9.1B DRP targets17 by 1 July 2030 Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will:
(a) In areas where the Table 5.9.1B DRP targets are exceeded17A:
(i) Ensure existing point source discharges do not contribute any additional phosphorus load to the Tukituki River or its tributaries and through consent review and renewal processes seek to reduce existing loads where necessary to progress towards phasing out the exceedence;
(ii) Ensure any new point source discharges will not increase existing DRP concentrations in the Tukituki River or its tributaries after reasonable mixing;
(b) In areas where the Table 5.9.1B DRP limits are not exceeded, ensure that any new point source discharges will not cause those limits to be exceeded in the Tukituki River or its tributaries after reasonable mixing;
(c) Require any application for a resource consent for the use of production land to demonstrate:
(i) In areas where the Table 5.9.1B DRP limits are not exceeded that the proposed activity will not lead to an exceedence of the limits in the Tukituki River or its tributaries;
16 The MACNL and MAZL relate to nitrogen leaching losses from the root zone of the soils farmed and the MAZL also includes together with nitrogen loads from point source discharges.
17The numerical values in Tables 5.9.1A and 5.9.1B are to be treated as “limits” at locations where the existing water quality is better than the relevant numerical value and as “targets” at locations where the existing water quality is worse than the relevant numerical value. At the time of Plan Change notification, only the Waipawa River and Tukituki River catchments upstream of SH50 and the Makaretu River were complying with the limits.
17A POL TT5(1)(a) also applies to discharges of industrial or trade wastewater to land with such discharges being regulated under Rule 52 of the RRMP.
17B Relative to the losses that were occurring from the farm property prior to the land use change that triggered the need for a Rule TT2 landuse resource consent
Comment [RvV20]: Implements new catchment-wide cap on nitrogen losses.
Agreed by all planners present on 8 January subject to reservations expressed by Dines in the accompanying JWS
Comment [RvV21]: Additional text to address concern raised by Fert NZ in their Further legal Submission para 10 (17 January 2014)
Comment [RvV22]: Implements new catchment-wide cap on nitrogen losses.
Set date as 2018 to align with provision of nutrient budgets under POL TT4(1)(c)
Comment [a23]: Agreed by all planners present after 11am at 7 January Conferencing. Helen Marr no longer seeks her new clause (ia)
7 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6 (ii) In areas where the Table 5.9.1B DRP targets are exceeded that the proposed activity will as a minimum not increase existing DRP concentrations in the Tukituki River or its tributaries and that all reasonable and practicable opportunities have been taken to reduce17B phosphorus losses from the farm property;
(iii) The likely achievement of (i) and (ii) through the preparation of a Phosphorus Management Plan.
(d) Recognise that the middle and lower Tukituki River catchment is generally in a state of over-allocation with respect to instream DRP limits and therefore through the implementation of land use rules:
(i) On land that is less than 15 degrees in slope; require livestock (other than sheep) to be excluded from lakes, wetlands and permanently flowing rivers (whether they are intermittent18 or permanent) and their margins by 31 December 2017 and intermittently flowing rivers and their margins by 31 December 2022 2020;
(ii) On land that is greater than 15 degrees in slope and where the stocking rate of livestock excluding sheep exceeds 18 stock units per hectare either:
1. where the stocking rate exceeds 18 stock units per hectare require livestock (except other than sheep) to be excluded from lakes, wetlands and permanently flowing rivers (whether they are intermittent or permanent) and their margins by 31 December 2017 and intermittently flowing rivers and their margins by 31 December 2022 2020; or
2. for individual farm properties or farming enterprises exceeding 4 hectares in size located in catchments other than those listed in POL TT5(1)(d)(iv), require a Phosphorus Management Plan (that includes requirements for stock exclusion) to be prepared for the land, be provided to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council by 1 July 2017 31 December 2020, and thereafter be implemented.
(iii) Require formed stock races crossing rivers and streams (excluding managed stock crossings) to be bridged or culverted by 30 June 2017 31 December 2020;
(iv) For individual farm properties or farming enterprises exceeding 4 hectares in size require a Phosphorus Management Plan19(which shall include a Nutrient Budget19A) to be prepared for the land, be provided to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and thereafter be implemented:
1. in the Papanui and the Porangahau catchments by 1 July 2017;
2. in the Maharakeke catchment by 1 July 2018;
3. in the Tukipo, Kahahakuri and Upper Tukituki Corridor catchments by 1 July 2020;
(e) Provide land advisory services and incentives, in collaboration with the primary industry sector and the community, prioritising efforts on tributary catchments which significantly exceed the DRP targets. In particular Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will:
(i) Develop a catchment strategy and implementation plan to identify critical source areas for phosphorus and eliminate or reduce phosphorus losses;
(ii) Encourage industry good practices to be implemented on farm properties or farming enterprises in order to reduce phosphorus losses;
(iii) Encourage riparian planting in conjunction with permanent stock exclusion fencing;
18 An intermittent river is defined in the Glossary does not flow continuously but has a bed that is predominantly unvegetated and comprises, sand, gravel, boulders or similar material.
19 A Phosphorus Management Plan is defined in the Glossary. means a plan prepared generally in accordance with industry codes of practice which identifies the inherent environmental risks on the property associated with phosphorus and sediment loss, the significance of those risks, and identifies management practices to be implemented to avoid or reduce the risks. The Phosphorus Management Plan includes a basic nutrient budget as described for Beef and Lamb New Zealand’s Level 2 Land Environment Plan. Alternative farm management plans that have been prepared in accordance with an industry programme approved by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council may be provided in substitution for the Phosphorus Management Plan.
19A A Nutrient Budget means a budget prepared in accordance with the “Code of Practice for Nutrient Management (with Emphasis on Fertiliser Use), 2007” published by the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand; and which is prepared or approved by a person who is a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor or who has completed both the “Intermediate” and the “Advanced” courses in “Sustainable Nutrient Management in New Zealand Agriculture” conducted by Massey University; using Overseer (or an alternative model approved for use by the HBRC).
Comment [RvV24]: Correction made verbally by RvV at Hearing
Comment [RvV25]: In response to the cross-examination of Mr Millner by Federated Farmers
8 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6 (iv) In the Water Management Zone 5 (Papanui), encourage riparian planting which provides shading for rivers and streams in order to reduce macrophyte growth and improve life-supporting capacity of the stream;
(v) Encourage surface runoff from stock races, stock yards, bridges and culverts to be diverted away from rivers and streams and discharged to land;
(vi) Encourage the preparation of Phosphorus Management Plans in catchments not listed in POL TT5(d)(iv) as a means of identifying critical source areas for phosphorus and developing site specific actions to eliminate or reduce the risk from those areas.
2. To assist with monitoring the effectiveness of POL TT5(1) the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will:
(a) Determine maximum allowable instream water management zone loads20 (MAZL) for phosphorus using the methodology described in Schedule XIX by 1 July 2017;
(b) Determine the actual instream water management zone loads for phosphorus based on water quality and river flow monitoring data for comparison with the MAZL by 1 July 2017;and
(ba) Incorporate that information in its regular state of the environment reporting; and
(c) In 2020 and 2025, review the need for an increased regulatory approach taking into account whether:
(i) instream DRP concentration trends indicate that the Table 5.9.1B DRP targets are likely to be met; and (ia) monitoring indicates that the Table 5.9.1B periphyton limit and targets are likely to be met; and (ii) the indicators set out in the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Plan21 are being met.
POL TT6 DECISION-MAKING CRITERIA – USE OF PRODUCTION LAND Land not Associated with the Operation of a Community Irrigation Scheme
1. When considering an application for a land use consent under Rule TT2 to authorise the use of production land not associated with the operation of a Community Irrigation Scheme, the consent authority must ensure that the Table 5.9.1D maximum allowable catchment nitrogen load is not exceeded and have regard to the following matters:
(aa) The extent to which the proposed use, in combination with other permitted or consented activities, will result in the nitrate-nitrogen limits in Table 5.9.1B being approached or exceeded;
(a) Whether the applicant has supplied a Farm Environmental Management Plan prepared in accordance with Schedule XXII and that:
(i) Adequately describes the farm property or farming enterprise (including soils, climate, topography and environmental risks) and the proposed production land use on the farm property or farming enterprise;
(ii) Contains a Nutrient Budget22 for the farm property or farming enterprise, including an assessment of the nitrogen conversion efficiency;
(iii) Describes how industry good practices will be implemented to minimise nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) losses, sediment losses and faecal bacteria discharges from the farm property or farming enterprise and achieve a nitrogen conversion efficiency appropriate to the production land use and land type;
(vii) Where the farm property or farming enterprise is in Water Management Zone 5, ensures appropriate riparian management measures are implemented to minimise nutrient losses and reduce macrophyte growth in order to improve the life-supporting capacity of the river or stream;
20 In this case the MAZL relates to the annual phosphorus load as measured in the river (note this differs from the MAZL for nitrogen which relates to a leaching loss at the farm paddock (or root zone)).
21The Monitoring Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Plan (MERI) is one of the key programmes of the Tukituki Catchment Implementation Plan which outlines how the non-regulatory approaches in Change 6 will be implemented.
22 As defined in POL TT4.
Comment [RvV26]: Implements new catchment-wide cap on nitrogen losses.
Agreed by all planners present on 8 January subject to reservations expressed by Dines in the accompanying JWS
9 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6 (b) Whether conditions on the land use consent will ensure that the Farm Environmental Management Plan supplied under (a) is maintained, submitted to Hawke's Bay Regional Council as may be required by the Council, and is implemented by the farm property or farming enterprise owner.;
(c) Imposing a three year lapse period in order to discourage speculative landuse intensification applications.
Land Associated with the Operation of a Community Irrigation Scheme
2. When considering an application for a land use consent to authorise use of production land on multiple farm properties or farming enterprises associated with the operation of a taking water from a Community Irrigation Scheme, the consent authority must have regard to the extent to which management plan and/or contractual mechanisms governing the Scheme’s operation ensure that:
(a) In each respective Water Management Zone, the farm properties or farming enterprises serviced by the Scheme will not collectively leach an amount of nitrogen that, in combination with nitrogen leached from non-Scheme farm properties or farming enterprises as a result of production land use activities permitted by this Plan or authorised by consents already granted, cause the nitrate-nitrogen limits in Table 5.9.1B to be exceeded;
(aa) The farm properties or farming enterprises serviced by the Scheme will not collectively leach an amount of nitrogen that, in combination with nitrogen leached from non-Scheme farm properties or farming enterprises as a result of production land use activities permitted by this Plan or authorised by consents already granted, cause the Table 5.9.1D maximum allowable catchment nitrogen load to be exceeded;
(b) Where the farm property or farming enterprise is in Water Management Zone 5, appropriate riparian management and wetland enhancement measures are implemented to minimise nutrient losses and reduce macrophyte growth in order to improve the life-supporting capacity of the river or stream;
(c) In each respective Water Management Zone, the farm properties or farming enterprise serviced by the Scheme will collectively:
(i) In Water Management Zones where the Table 5.9.1B DRP concentration targets are exceeded, not cause DRP concentrations in the Tukituki River or its tributaries to increase compared with a baseline measured or modelled at the time of any resource consent application and ensure that all reasonable and practicable opportunities have been taken to reduce phosphorus losses;
(ii) In Water Management Zones where the Table 5.9.1B DRP concentration limits are not exceeded, not cause those limits to be exceeded;
(d) Any farm property or farming enterprise serviced by the Scheme prepares and maintains a Farm Environmental Management Plan prepared in accordance with Schedule XXII and that:
(i) Adequately describes the farm property or farming enterprise (including soils, climate, topography and environmental risks) and the proposed production land use on the farm property or farming enterprise;
(ii) Contains a Nutrient Budget for the farm property or farming enterprise, including an assessment of the nitrogen conversion efficiency;
(iii) Describes how industry good practices will be implemented to minimise nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) losses, sediment losses and faecal bacteria discharges from the farm property or farming enterprise and achieve a nitrogen conversion efficiency appropriate to the production land use and land type;
(e) Any farm property or farming enterprise serviced by the Scheme is operated in accordance with its Farm Environmental Management Plan;
(f) Scheme-wide nutrient loss compliance modelling, auditing and enforcement procedures are implemented for nitrogen and phosphorus.
Land Use Consent Duration
3 From 4 May 2013 any land use consents granted under Rule TT2 to the landowner or occupier shall:
(a) have the same expiry date as any section 14 water take irrigation consents for the land, or
Comment [RvV27]: Retained at three years to prevent speculative applications for nitrogen now that an overall catchment load cap has been established.
Comment [RvV28]: Implements new catchment-wide cap on nitrogen losses.
Agreed by all planners present on 8 January subject to reservations expressed by Dines in the accompanying JWS
10 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6 (b) if there are no irrigation consents for the land then the maximum duration imposed shall not exceed 35
years.
Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan
Table 5.9.1A: Surface Water Quality Limits and Targets23 for the Tukituki River Catchment – Catchment Wide Parameter Limit or Target
Temperature The temperature of the water shall be suitable for sustaining the aquatic habitat.
Dissolved Oxygen The concentration of dissolved oxygen shall exceed 80% of the saturation concentration except where lower concentrations occur under natural conditions (e.g. in areas of groundwater upwelling including the Porangahau, Maharakeke, Kahahakuri, Mangaonuku, Papanui sub-catchments).
E. coli 260 Escherichia coli per 100 millilitres for the 1 November to 30 April bathing season (for flows below the median flow).
550 Escherichia coli per 100 millilitres for the 1 November to 30 April bathing season (for flows between the median flow and three times the median flow).
550 Escherichia coli per 100 millilitres for the rest of the year (for flows below three times the median flow).
The methodology for compliance is a maximum 95th percentile calculated as a minimum of 20 sampling points.
Total Ammoniacal
Nitrogen (TNH3-N) The average concentration of Total Ammoniacal Nitrogen (TNH3-N) (at pH=8.0, Temp=20°C) shall not exceed 0.32 mg/L at all flows (to avoid chronic toxicity effects on freshwater clams (Sphaerium sp).24 Concentration limits at other pHs and Temperatures are contained in Schedule XXIII.
99% species protection level for total ammoniacal nitrogen (TNH3-N) as stipulated in the most recent version of the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (the ANZECC guidelines) and as tabulated in Schedule XXIII.24
Other Toxicants 24 95% species protection levels for toxicants (other than nitrate-nitrogen and total ammoniacal nitrogen) as stipulated in the most recent version of the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (the ANZECC guidelines) for Water Management Zones 1, 2, 3 and 5. 24
99% species protection levels for toxicants (other than nitrate-nitrogen and total ammoniacal nitrogen) as stipulated in the most recent version of the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (the ANZECC guidelines) for Water Management Zone 4.24
23 The numerical values in Table 5.9.1A are to be treated as “limits” at locations where the existing water quality is better than the relevant numerical value and as “targets” at locations where the existing water quality is worse than the relevant numerical value.
24 For clarity this limit requires that the risk evaluation process set out in the ANZECC Guidelines will be followed on the basis of the specified protection level (99% or 95%). It does not mean that default trigger values defined in the ANZECC Guidelines will be used as limits.
Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan
Table 5.9.1B: Surface Water Quality Limits,and Targets25and Indicators for the Tukituki River Catchment – Zone Specific.
The Water Management Zones referred to in Table 5.9.1B are mapped in Schedule XV.
The key to Table 5.9.1B is provided below the table (page 11) Table 5.9.1C.
Water Management Zone Mainstems/
Tributaries26
Periphyton
Limits and Targets DRP Limits and Targets
Nitrate-nitrogen Limits and
Targets
DIN Limits
and Targets
Indicators
(a) (b) (c) (d) (a) (b) Water
Clarity MCI %
Sediment Cover
Zone 1
Lower Tukituki and Waipawa Rivers and Tributaries (excluding Papanui
Stream catchment)
Mainstems
120 30 60 50
0.010
2.4 3.5 n/a
2.8 100 10
Tributaries 0.015 1.6 100 n/a
Zone 2
Middle Waipawa River and Tributaries above SH2
Mainstems Waipawa River
120 30 60 50
0.010
3.8 5.6 n/a
3.0
120 10
Mangaonuku
Stream 4.0
Tributaries 0.015 1.6 100 n/a
25 The numerical values in Table 5.9.1B are to be treated as “limits” at locations where the existing water quality is better than the relevant numerical value and as “targets” at locations where the existing water quality is worse than the relevant numerical value.
26 Mainstems include the following rivers:
Zone 1 mainstem of the Tukituki River
Zone 2 mainstems of the Waipawa River and Mangaonuku Stream
Zone 3 mainstems of the Tukituki and Tukipo rivers, and the Maharakeke, Porangahau, Makaretu and Kahahakuri streams.
Comment [RvV29]: “Mainstems”
covered Waipawa River and Mangaonuku Stream (see deleted Footnote 26 for Zone 2). Amendment clarifies this.
Comment [RvV30]: Correction identified by Ms McArthur and agreed by Dr Ausseil
Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Water Management Zone Mainstems/
Tributaries27
Periphyton
Limits and Targets DRP Limits and Targets
Nitrate-nitrogen Limits and
Targets DIN
Limits and Targets
Indicators
(a) (b) (c) (d) (a) (b) Water
Clarity MCI
% Sediment
Cover
Zone 3
Middle Tukituki River and Tributaries above Tapairu Road
Mainstems
120 30 60 50
0.010
3.8 5.6 n/a
3.0 12027A 10
Tributaries 0.015 1.6 100 n/a
Zone 4
Upper Tukituki and Waipawa Rivers All 50 30 60 50 0.004 n/a 1.5 0.150 3.3 120 10
Zone 5
Papanui Stream All 120 30 60 50 0.015 2.4 3.5 n/a 1.6 100 n/a
The Water Management Zones referred to in Table 5.9.1B are mapped in Schedule XV.
The Key to Table 5.9.1B is provided below Table 5.9.1C.
27 Mainstems include the following rivers:
Zone 1 mainstem of the Tukituki River
Zone 2 mainstems of the Waipawa River and Mangaonuku Stream
Zone 3 mainstems of the Tukituki and Tukipo rivers, and the Maharakeke, Porangahau, Makaretu and Kahahakuri streams.
27A Except that in the Maharakeke and Porangahau sub-catchments the MCI target is 100.
Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan
Table 5.9.1C: Surface Water Quality Deposited Sediment Indicators for the Tukituki River Catchment – Zone Specific.
The Water Management Zones referred to in Table 5.9.1C are mapped in Schedule XV.
The key to Table 5.9.1C is provided below.
Water Management Zone Deposited Sediment Indicators (% sediment cover)
Zone 1
Lower Tukituki and Waipawa Rivers and Tributaries (excluding Papanui Stream)
10% in the Waipawa and Tukituki Rivers and 20% in all other naturally hard bottomed streams and rivers
Zone 2
Middle Waipawa River and tributaries above SH2
10% in the Waipawa River and Mangaonuku Stream and 20% in all other naturally hard bottomed streams and rivers
Zone 3
Middle Tukituki River and tributaries above Tapairu Road
10% in the Tukituki, Tukipo and Makaretu rivers and 20% in all other naturally hard bottomed streams and rivers (including Maharakeke, Porangahau and Kahahakuri Streams)
Zone 4
Upper Tukituki and Waipawa Rivers
10% in all naturally hard bottomed streams and rivers (including Tukituki, Waipawa and Makaroro Rivers)
Zone 5 Papanui Stream
20% in the Papanui Stream and all other naturally hard bottomed streams and rivers
Comment [RvV31]: Correction identified by Ms McArthur and agreed by Dr Ausseil
Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Key to the Table 5.9.1B and C limits, targets and indicators:
Periphyton:
(a) Maximum algal biomass on the river bed in milligrams of chlorophyll a per square metre not to be exceeded within a 30 day accrual period.
Zone 4: Annual maximum 80th percentile algal biomass (mg Chlorophyll a/m2). The annual maximum 80th percentile algal biomass shall be calculated as the maximum80th percentile of monthly monitoring results obtained within an accrual period of 30 days over a period of 1 year 5 consecutive years.
Zones 1, 2, 3 and 5: Annual maximum 95th percentile algal biomass (mg Chlorophyll a/m2). The annual maximum 95th percentile algal biomass shall be calculated as the annual maximum 95th percentile of monthly monitoring results obtained within an accrual period of 30 days over a period of 1 year 5 consecutive years.
(b) Maximum cover (%) of visible river bed by periphyton as filamentous algae more than 2 centimetres long within a 30 day accrual period.
Annual maximum 95th percentile cover of visible river bed by periphyton as filamentous algae more than 2 cm long. The annual maximum 95th percentile algal cover shall be calculated as the annual maximum 95th percentile of monthly monitoring results obtained within an accrual period of 30 days over a period of 1 year 5 consecutive years.
(c) Maximum cover (%) of visible river bed by periphyton as diatoms or cyanobacteria mats more than 0.3 centimetres thick within a 30 day accrual period.
Annual maximum 95th percentile cover of visible river bed by periphyton as diatoms or cyanobacteria mats more than 0.3cm thick. The annual maximum 95th percentile algal biomass cover shall be calculated as the annual maximum 95th percentile of monthly monitoring results obtained within an accrual period of 30 days over a period of 1 year 5 consecutive years.
(d) Annual maximum 95th percentile cover of visible river bed by periphyton as cyanobacteria mats more than 0.3cm thick. The annual maximum 95th percentile algal biomass cover shall be calculated as the annual maximum 95th percentile of monthly monitoring results obtained within an accrual period of 30 days over a period of 1 year 5 consecutive years.
Phosphorus:
Maximum annual average concentration of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) when the river flow is at or below 3 times the median flow (mg DRP/L). The annual average concentration of DRP shall be calculated as the average of monthly monitoring results obtained over a period of 5 consecutive years.
Nitrate Nitrogen:
(a) Maximum annual median concentration of nitrate-nitrogen (mg NO3-N /L). The annual average median concentration of nitrate-nitrogen shall be calculated as the average median of monthly monitoring results obtained over a period of 5 1 consecutive years.
(b) Maximum 95th percentile concentration of nitrate-nitrogen (mg NO3-N /L). The 95th percentile concentration of nitrate-nitrogen shall be calculated as the 95th percentile of monthly monitoring results obtained over a period of 5 consecutive 1 years. Applies also to Table 5.9.2.
Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen:
Maximum annual average concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (mg DIN /L) when the river flow is at or below 3 times the median flow. The annual average concentration of DIN shall be calculated as the average of monthly monitoring results obtained over a period of 5 consecutive years.
Water Clarity Indicator:
Minimum median visual water clarity at or below median flow (m), measured as the horizontal sighting range of a black disc. The median visual clarity shall be calculated over a period of 5 consecutive years, filtered to exclude data points collected at river flows exceeding the median flow.
MCI indicator: Minimum average macro-invertebrate community index. The average MCI shall be calculated over a period of 5 consecutive years.
Comment [RvV32]: In response to cross-examination of Dr Ausseil by EDS. Implements JWS of Olivier Ausseil, Kathryn McArthur, Adam Uytendaal and Thomas Stephens on Change 6 Periphyton Limits, 12 November 2013, clause 6
Comment [RvV33]: Amendment based on subsequent advice from Dr Chris Hickey.
Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan
% Sediment Cover indicator: Maximum average % fine sediment cover where ‘fine’ is defined as particles less than 2 mm in diameter (excludes naturally soft bottom streams). The average % Sediment Cover shall be calculated over a period of 5 consecutive years.
Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan
Table 5.9.1D: Maximum Allowable Catchment Nitrogen Load (MACNL)
Maximum Allowable Catchment Nitrogen Load Tonnes Nitrogen per Year
Above Black Bridge 5,060
Notes:
Table 5.9.1D specifies the total amount of nitrogen able to be lost or leached from the land, otherwise known as a ‘root zone’ load.
If a new version of Overseer is released then the MACNL previously calculated with the superseded version must be recalculated using the new version and the same input data as was used previously.
Table 5.9.2: Groundwater Water Quality Limits and Indicators Applicable 10m or More Below Ground Level in Productive Aquifer Systems
Aesthetic determinands E. coli Nitrate-nitrogen Nitrate-nitrogen Indicator All other determinants
Guideline value for any aesthetic determinand [Drinking-Water Standards
for New Zealand (DWSNZ)]
Maximum concentration of Escherichia coli per 100 millilitres
Maximum 95th percentile concentration of nitrate-nitrogen
(mg NO3-N /L)
Maximum annual average concentration of nitrate-nitrogen
(mg NO3-N /L)
All other inorganic or organic determinands of health significance
[DWSNZ]
Within guideline <1 11.3 5.65 Maximum acceptable value (MAV)27B
Key for Table 5.9.2:
Nitrate Nitrogen:
(a) Maximum annual average concentration of nitrate-nitrogen (mg NO3-N /L) shall be calculated as the annual average of monitoring results obtained over a period of 5 consecutive years.
(b) Maximum 95th percentile concentration of nitrate-nitrogen (mg NO3-N /L) shall be calculated as the 95th percentile of monitoring results obtained over a period of 5 consecutive years.
Note: These limits apply after reasonable mixing and disregarding the effect of any natural conditions that may affect the water body.
27B The MAV is to be determined in accordance with the Drinking Water Standards for New Zealand (2005/ Revised edition 2008) or subsequent version, Appendix 1 and Table A1.3. Compliance with chemical determinands is to be based on results obtained over one year and where the sampling frequency is monthly or more frequently the number of exceedences required to be assessed as non-complying is zero.
Comment [RvV34]: Implements new catchment-wide cap on nitrogen losses
Comment [RvV35]: Note this differs from the number in Attachment 3 to the Second Planners’ JWS. That number (5000) was an error.
Comment [RvV36]: Additional note added to cater for Overseer version changes.
Comment [RvV37]: Consequential amendment as a result of amending the key for Table 5.9.1B.
18 Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan Plan Change 6
5.9.3 Water Quantity Policies
POL TT7 MINIMUM FLOW LIMITS REGIME 1. In Surface Water Allocation Zones 1, 2 and 3:
(a) The minimum flow limits regime in Table 5.9.3 shall apply to existing27C and new consented takes
;including consented groundwater takes with High Stream Depletion Classification as described in POL TT11, but excluding Community Irrigation Schemes28 activities which involve storage of water behind an instream dam and downstream takes reliant on the release of that stored water. and High Flow Allocation takes as described in POL TT10
(b) Transition periods shall be provided to implement increased minimum flows as shown in Table 5.9.3, to provide existing water users a reasonable time to adapt to the reduced security of supply,or find alternative sources of water or provide on-farm water storage;
(c) Subject to (d) below, consented takes from the mainstems of the Tukituki and Waipawa Rivers shall be subject to the downstream minimum flows for the mainstems set in Table 5.9.3. Takes from tributaries shall be subject to both the downstream mainstem minimum flows and the relevant tributary minimum flow set in Table 5.9.3.
(d) Consented takes downstream of the Red Bridge flow management site (Waimarama Rd) shall be subject to the minimum flow limit at the Red Bridge flow management site except for consented takes below Black Bridge (Mill Rd) which shall not be subject to minimum flow restrictions set in Table 5.9.3;
(e) Where a Community Irrigation Scheme stores water and subsequently releases it into a river for use by members of the Scheme or for the purpose of flushing flows, other (non-Scheme) takes from that river will be managed by using a river flow (for the purpose of comparing to the allowable Table 5.9.3 minimum flow) calculated or modelled by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to be that which would have occurred in the absence of the Scheme. This will ensure that water stored and released by the Scheme is used by Scheme participants and is not taken by other users.
POL TT8 ALLOCATION LIMITS
1. To manage the taking of surface water and groundwater in the Tukituki River catchment by:
(a) Recognising that although allocation limits for surface water should be determined in order to provide a reasonable security of supply (such as avoiding an irrigation ban of ten consecutive days occurring more frequently than one year in ten), this is not achievable in the Tukituki River catchment given the minimum flows set in Table 5.9.3 and the existing volumes of water being abstracted;
(b) Recognising that there is a significant high degree of interconnectedness between groundwater in the Ruataniwha Basin and surface water flows within the basin as a whole and consequently surface flows further downstream;
(c) Setting surface water and groundwater allocation limits that are based on the existing volume of consented abstraction (Tables 5.9.4 and 5.9.5 and Schedule XVIII);
(d) Applying the Table 5.9.4 and 5.9.5 water allocation limits only to consented takes and not to takes allowed under section 14(3)(b) of the RMA, nor to takes occurring prior to 4 May 2013 under Rules 53 and 54, nor to the construction and operation of in-stream dams (including damming, taking, diverting, using and discharging), nor to downstream takes of water released from an instream dam for members of a Community Irrigation Scheme.
27C Upon review or renewal
28 Refer Policy TT13 for the requirements that Community Irrigation Scheme must meet.
Comment [RvV38]: Amendments consequential on reinstating Schedule XVIII