Michael Forbes of the Dominion Post writes that some of NZ’s largest industries will be getting involved in a debate over the amount of pollution that should end up in central North Island waterways.
The “One Plan” hearings will end in a comprehensive scheme for the Manawatu-Whanganui region and the management of its natural resources, including waterways. Scientists have supported new legislation to control the amount of run-off entering waterways, while farming industry groups are against legislation and say the compliance costs money could be better used.
An excerpt: (read in full here)
Horizons One Plan manager Helen Marr said the “worst in the Western world” label was disputed, as tests at different parts of the river revealed less pollution. But all parties involved in the One Plan process were agreed that water quality in the area was poor and a solution was needed, she said.
In the past, Horizons had focused on pollution being discharged directly into waterways and less on elements such as nitrogen from farms seeping into waterways through soil.