Discretionary pastoral activity decision for Mt Hutt - Irrigation/hydro-power pipeline trenching and associated soil disturbance and scrub clearance - A5553488

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.
   

Irrigation/hydro-power pipeline trenching and associated soil disturbance and scrub clearance

10 years

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that inherent values present are minimal and on balance it is considered that making it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes and protecting inherent values can be achieved by implementing good management practises during construction. Conditions imposed on the consent will mitigate the identified risks associated with the activities, and the applicant is required to submit a final plan of the irrigation/hydro project to Toitū Te Whenua LINZ for final review before any works begin. 

Consent is granted subject to the following conditions:

1. The lessee is to submit a final plan of the irrigation/power generation project to their LINZ Portfolio Manager for review once it is completed and prior to commencing works. The review of the final plan may include a field inspection at the discretion of Toitū Te Whenua LINZ. 
2. 20m marginal strips have been set off on both sides of Cattleyard Creek under Part 4A of the Conservation Act 1987 and are administered by Department of Conservation. Refer to the information regarding activities within marginal strips that require a concession. 
3. The small indigenous shrubland outlined in light blue on the plans is not to be cleared or impacted by the soil disturbance. 
4. Where there is an existing track, pipeline trenching is to be undertaken along the track formation. 
5. Soil disturbance along the red lines and within the areas outlined in red, including the siting of the Southern Creek weir, is to be kept to the minimum necessary, to reduce visibility in the landscape and loss of vegetation that could cause erosion. Any run-off transfer should be to an area where any sediment can settle out or be filtered by vegetation before it reaches a waterway. 
6. Soil disturbance within waterways is to be kept to the absolute minimum to reduce sediment and contaminants entering the water, and if possible be undertaken when the waterway is dry. 
7. Any metal or gravel required for the works shall be obtained from a nearby source that is free from any weed species including broom, gorse, lupin and false tamerisk.
8. Water tanks, sediment tanks and the sub-station building are to be a colour that blends into the landscape, and be sited as low as possible in the landscape to reduce visibility.
9. Disturbed soil is to be re-seeded with a certified weed and impurities-free permanent pasture mix as soon as possible after completion of the activity, with the exception of works undertaken within 5m of a waterway which should be left to revegetate naturally. 
10. Any contractor machinery and vehicles are to be steam cleaned prior to entry to the lease to minimise the possibility of weed infestation. Any fuel and oil storage facilities are to be sited to eliminate the possibility of a leak or spill into any water ways. 
11. The lessee is responsible for ensuring any contractor operates under the conditions of this consent.

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