Discharge Consents & Asset Management Plans

Hurunui District Council (HDC) has recently been granted a discharge consent by Environment Canterbury (ECan), marking a new beginning for environmental management in our district. The soon to be acquired District Wide Discharge Consent, denoted as CRC214309, permit the discharge of stormwater from the HDC stormwater network across our district. It will cover 13 townships, excluding Hanmer Springs and Amberley which hold separate resource consents.

Stormwater management plans lay out the ways in which Council will meet the requirements of its 35-year Stormwater Network Discharge Consent. Key activities covered by SMPs include:

• Stormwater from residential and commercial roofs.
• Stormwater from residential and commercial hardstand areas.
• Existing industrial sites that discharge via the HDC stormwater network, and future industrial sites.
• Construction phase stormwater from development areas which have a land disturbance area of less than two hectares.
• Stormwater from the roading network.

To facilitate compliance with the new regulations, Council has provided comprehensive guidance for stormwater applications, accessible via the following link: Stormwater Application Guidance (https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/roading-water/stormwater/applications)

Furthermore, it is important to prioritize sediment and erosion control measure during construction, especially in contaminated sites. This proactive approach aims to safeguard groundwater and surface water quality, mitigating the risk of contamination.

Implementing stormwater management practices on your property, such as using holding tanks or soak pits, plays a crucial role in minimizing the risk of flooding not only on your property but also in your township.

The adoption of these new regulations underscores Council's commitment to promoting sustainable stormwater management practices. Collaborative efforts with the residents of our district are crucial in achieving the shared goal of reducing contaminants entering our drains and waterways. By preserving and enhancing the ecological and biological integrity of our environment, we not only mitigate the risk of flooding in urban areas but also contribute to biodiversity conservation.

Moreover, the requirements of stormwater devices on site take into account the projected impacts of climate change and prepare us for future changes. Projections for New Zealand (Ministry for the Environment, 2018a) indicate that moderate and extreme rainfall events are likely to increase across the country, including Canterbury.

For more detailed information regarding this Consent, please visit: https://www.ecan.govt.nz/data/consent-search/consentdetails/CRC214309/crc214309#related

This new consent marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development within the Hurunui District. Together, let us continue to safeguard and preserve our natural resources for generations to come.

Global Discharge Consents

Environment Canterbury (ECan) have issued the notice of decision for:

1. The Amberley Global Discharge Consent on 19 November 2014.

2. The Hanmer Springs Global Discharge Consent on 30 June 2021

The application for the District Wide Global Discharge Consent is currently being finalised and will be approved and active with ECan soon.

Stormwater Activity Management Plan

The purpose of Stormwater Activity Management Plan (AMP) is to ensure that the stormwater assets are operated and maintained in a sustainable and cost effective manner, so that they provide the required level of service for the present and future customers.