Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Soil disturbance (Gravel extraction for on-farm track maintenance) - A5527845

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application before 17 November 2022
• accordingly, the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 excluding the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.
   

Soil disturbance (Gravel extraction for on-farm track maintenance)

5 years for the initial development with ongoing extraction approved for a further 20 years from the site/s where extraction has taken place in the initial 5 year period.

It is considered that there are farming benefits to the proposed soil disturbance for gravel extraction in terms of maintaining tracks, yards and pivot ruts. Appropriate conditions can be applied to avoid, remedy or mitigate all of the effects on the land. The area where the disturbance is proposed has been modified through direct drilling, oversowing and topdressing. The soil disturbance will not adversely affect any inherent values. 

1. That soil disturbance for gravel extraction is limited to the area as indicated on the map attached. 
2. That soil disturbance and the amount of gravel extracted is kept to the minimum required to meet the Lessee's objectives when maintaining tracks, laying gravel in stockyards and filling pivot wheel ruts. 
3. No gravel sourced from the approved areas shall be sold. 
4. That there is adequate buffering of the soil disturbance for gravel extraction area from any nearby waterways. No soil disturbance shall occur within 10m of the ephemeral waterway located south of the site in Little Hogget Block. 
5. That the soil initially removed to expose the gravel pit is placed and seeded so that the removed soil is not dispersed by the wind. 
6. Following the completion of the work or the end of the term of the consent, any of the areas where gravel has been extracted shall be rehabilitated. This should involve reestablishing the topsoil on the site and returning it to productive farmland. Alternative rehabilitation, e.g. into a wetland, may be considered, provided a sufficiently detailed proposal is presented to, and approved by, the Commissioner of Crown Lands or his delegate.
7. That the sides of any pit created by the soil disturbance and gravel extraction are angled so that they are stable.
8. That all machinery intended to be used for the gravel extraction is cleaned of plant material and soil prior to entering Ahuriri Downs Station to avoid weed contamination.
9. That all contractors and employees of Ahuriri Downs Station are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to the soil disturbance works starting.

The Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 provides that permission to undertake the activity may still be needed under other enactments.