Port Nelson Annual Report 2007 (pdf)

E N V I R O N M E N T A L M A T T E R S
N O I S E M A N A G E M E N T
Despite handling more containers we have had fewer noise complaints,
which is encouraging. However, clangs caused by empty containers are
still the biggest source of complaints, followed by ships’ generators.
Vigilance in stevedoring practices and training is ongoing. This year
several complaints related to a particularly large vessel, the Cosco
Melbourne; managing this ship will be easier when wharf repairs have
improved the workability of Main Wharf South. Another notable
noisy incident was an oil tanker inadvertently setting off her fire alarm
system in the very early morning.
Discussions continued with Nelson City Council on solutions to protect
residents from noise. Further information was provided by Port Nelson
Ltd and the proposed variation to the Nelson Resource Management
Plan has now been finalised for a public submission process.
F U M I G A T I O N
Numbers of shed fumigations remained the same, with a total of 12
over the 2006 summer season, when fumigation of export timber
to Australia is required. Additional health and safety monitoring
was done, to help identify changes that may be needed to current
operating practices.
The Nelson Air Quality Plan suggestion that fumigation at Port
Nelson be subject to resource consent remains under review. Some
progress was made through mediation between the operator and
the submitters, but no compromise was reached and a decision by an
Environment Court judge is awaited.
D R E D G I N G C O N S E N T R E N E W A L
Work has been underway to prepare an application to renew the port’s
maintenance dredging consent. Over 277,204 m 3 of sediment are
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