Little River stream maintenanceCommunity meeting – May 2014

1. The issue

2. How it’s supposed to work

3. The reality

4. Plantings / bank enhancement work

Important note regarding maintenance

This presentation addresses maintenance issue relating to the Little River waterways.

Maintenance will make the most of the system that is already there.

Maintenance will prevent the current situation from worsening.

Maintenance will reduce the impact of flooding.

but

Maintenance will not stop flooding from occurring in heavy rainfall events.

The issue - Flooding

Flooding due to water leaving the river channelWater pushed out of channelFlows through properties, houses, down roads

Obstacles in channel (e.g. debris, trees etc) cause water flow to be redirected or cause localised backing up that lead to water leaving channel.

Flooding due to insufficient flow away from areaWater backs up and overflows into surrounding area.

Rough channels (e.g. debris, trees etc) reduce capacity to carry water.

How it’s supposed to work

Land owners / occupiers are responsible for maintenance of waterways

Why?Resolution passed at Public meeting - 4 February 1993.

“That government subsidised workers be employed to clear the rivers of willow branches, the odd rogue tree, and other debris, and then adjoining landowners be given two years to prove they can keep their frontage clear up to the necessary standard. If this is not satisfactory, that Banks Peninsula District Council establish a separate rating district to fund the future maintenance on an annual basis.”

1997 – Follow up letter requesting maintenance be done or further action required.

How it’s supposed to work cont.

Environment Canterbury recommendation for the formation of a Little River Rivers Rating District to help fund willow control and bank stability work.

Public Meeting 25 September 2008 decided to hold a postal ballot and require a 60% majority to pass.

Proposal was declined by vote.

Maintenance requirements

The required standard of river clearance is as follows:1. Remove all trees in the bed of the river. Paint a suitable

poison onto any stumps to prevent regrowth and remove debris.

2. Prune overhanging branches, from the trees on the banks of the river, that are within 2m of the normal winter water level and at an angle less than 45 degrees from the water.

3. Remove these prunings and other debris from the bed of the river.

It is not the intention to remove all trees from the banks of the river. Selective maintenance only is required.

Taken from 1999 letter “Okana and Okuti River Clearance”

Maintenance requirements cont.

We remind you of your legal obligation to keep the waterway clear and require that you carry out this work as soon as possible…

…This obligation also includes ongoing maintenance of the river.

The Canterbury Regional Council will assess the work needed and serve notice on the occupier to carry out the works…

…The Canterbury Regional Council will recover, from the occupier, any costs associated with and assessment of the problem and any works costs should the works not be carried out within the stated period.

Taken from 1999 letter “Okana and Okuti River Clearance”

Reality - Current State

Opuahou Stream

Hukahuka Turoa Stream

Okana River

Okana River Branch No.3 (aka Police Stream)

Takiritawai River

Plantings and Streamside Enhancement Projects

Plantings need to be considered carefully.

The right plants in the right places.

Careful to avoid restricting the channel or de-stabilising the banks.

Ongoing maintenance required (of plants and channel)

Balancing act betwwen ecological values and maintaining functionality of the waterway.

Upcoming work notice

Asset capture

Surveyors will be in the Little River area in the coming weeks to pick up stormwater asset information.

Access to private land.

Surveyors will have identification.