Will there be any contaminated run-off and what about removing contaminants?

When developing a site you should consider whether there could be any temporary or permanent discharges as a result. In many cases within the city and other built-up areas a 'reticulated system' for water, stormwater and sewage exists, and as long as connection to these services is confirmed with Council then you may not have to consider the following issues. When building foundations and laying piping during the construction period, de-watering of groundwater could occur. This discharge can transport silts and sediment from the site and affect nearby properties and waterways. It is important to consider how this will be dealt with. Sometimes a resource consent is required from the Regional Council for this. During construction and once the project is completed stormwater should be retained and treated so that it does not affect people or water quality. It is our job to ensure that safe, cost-effective options to treat stormwater on site are designed. Stormwater includes any number of different contaminants such as silt, metals, oils, bacteria and litter, all of which should be removed as much as possible. The discharge quantity itself will need to be dealt with if the area experiences flooding. Council will not want your proposal making it worse.

The method of discharge can often cause adverse effects in its own right, particularly where the discharge contains a lot of energy and is discharged through a single point. If the discharge is into a stream or onto land, this energy may result in erosion and may present a source of hazard. The Council will want to know what you can do about this. When a sewage system does not exist to service your site, on-site systems such as septic tanks and disposal fields will need to be considered. Bacteria and viruses need to removed by adequate treatment in a septic tank and in the soils so that these do not re-emerge above ground or in water.

Other contaminants and discharges could occur if your proposed activity involves processing any products on site, such as wine making or olive oil pressing. Again Councils will want assurance that what you are doing will not adversely affect the environment and it will be your role as applicant to provide this information.