Last few roadshow dates coming up. No images? Click here Kia oraThere's still plenty of time for you to have your say on Water Quality Targets. For this engagement, we're seeking feedback on the provisional targets that will not only halt the decline of the region’s water quality but also help to make our communities' visions for freshwater a reality. We want to know your thoughts on the following:
In this email, we're continuing to share more examples of actions Horizons has modelled which are known to reduce the amount of contaminants entering waterways across different environments. Taking action with point source discharge reduction strategiesOne of these actions is for wastewater treatment plants to discharge treated wastewater to land. When treated wastewater is discharged directly into rivers, it contributes to higher levels of nutrients downstream from the discharge site. This promotes nuisance algae growth, which, when it dies and decomposes, depletes the oxygen in the water available to aquatic life. By diverting these discharges to land, soil and plants can filter nutrients in the wastewater and reduce the amount entering rivers and streams. Taking action with Critical Source Area management practicesAnother action is to fence off Critical Source Areas on pastoral farms. A Critical Source Area is anywhere on a farm at high risk of losing contaminants to water. After heavy rain, water converges in these areas, collecting, concentrating and transporting contaminants into waterways. Those contaminants can negatively impact freshwater health. Fencing off Critical Source Areas creates a grass buffer zone that filters and slows the path of contaminants towards water. It also prevents stock from loosening erodible soils and producing contaminant-rich waste in these areas. What do you think about these actions being part of the suite to get us to our provisional freshwater targets? Last Rural Roadshow datesCome along and hear our staff talk about how proposed targets have been created, what they mean in practice and how you can have your say on them.
Presentations will start at those times, but people are welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes early, when refreshments will be available. There will also be time for further questions and conversations afterwards over refreshments. If you've been unable to make these meetings, get in touch with the rural advice team on freephone 0508 800 800 to discuss alternative options. |