Application 124771 - Ministry of Fisheries

4.6 Any discharge of contaminants into the environment, including any unreasonable
emission of noise and options for the treatment and disposal of contaminants
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4.6.1 The discharges associated with mussel farming include pseudofaeces and “dropoff”
(shells, sediment and other marine life) resulting from cultivation and
harvesting processes. These are discharges which are covered by Rule 16.5.5A of
the RCP and for which consent is sought. The effect of the discharges on the
benthic ecosystem is covered in the scientific report attached in Appendix 2.
4.6.2 Compliance with the Mussel Industry’s Code of Practice will ensure that there is
minimal overboard loss of non-biodegradable or other waste materials. Regular
maintenance checks of the farms would also be undertaken to ensure security of
the high economic investment in the structures. Any waste rope would be taken
to shore for land disposal. Any bio-fouling on lines or mussels is generally
removed as a part of the harvesting process, and therefore returned to the
marine area.
4.6.3 There will be no unreasonable emissions of noise from the proposed activity. The
only noise resulting from the activity would be from the barges and harvesting
equipment and will therefore be intermittent and seasonal. There would only be
a minor increase over and above the existing consented operations.
4.7 Any risk to the neighbourhood, the wider community, or the environment through
natural hazards or the use of hazardous substances or hazardous installations
4.7.1 The relevance of the above factors to this application is in respect of:
(i) potential hazardous installations in the form of the longlines and
navigational equipment and the potential, albeit minimal, resulting
hazard to marine users; and
(ii) the effects of natural hazards, in the form of adverse weather conditions,
or changes in sea level
(iii) refuelling of vessels at Te Kouma wharf.
4.7.2 The proposed longline structures would be secured to the ocean floor by screw
anchors at each end of each mussel line. The proposed anchor types do not pose
any threat to vessels, as they are approximately 6 metres below the surface.
4.7.3 Sufficient room between mussel lines will be left in order to provide safe
navigable channels for small vessels and service vessels. Accordingly, it is
anticipated that commercial and recreational vessels that are under competent
control will still be able to utilise the waters of the area and navigate freely
between the marine farm lines without undue risk, and to pass around the farm
block, including in adverse weather conditions.
4.7.4 To avoid a hazard to users of the CMA, the applicant will ensure that the lighting
system is extended to incorporate the proposed extension area (ie corners B & F
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