A small hydro-electric power scheme on the Nevis River would
not change the distinctive elements that define the landscape
of the valley, the Nevis River hearing was told yesterday.
Landscape architect David McKenzie, of Christchurch, said the
area's climate and its isolation were the distinctive
elements that defined the valley landscape.
Mr McKenzie, who was giving evidence for Pioneer Generation
before the special tribunal considering changes to the water
conservation order on the Nevis River, said the river was
only part of the landscape.
New Zealand and Otago Fish and Game Councils have applied for
the conservation order to be amended so damming or diversion
of the river is prohibited.
The existing water conservation order would pave the way for
the option of a hydro-electricity development on the river.
Power company Pioneer has considered a scheme on the river
but has no immediate plans to proceed.
However, it wants to retain the option for hydro development
on the Nevis.
Mr McKenzie said the climate, the isolation, and the context
of the landscape would not change if Pioneer constructed a
small hydro scheme on the river.
A run-of-the-river scheme would affect parts of the lower
river only, whereas the two lakes "storage" option would
affect parts of the upper and lower sections of the river.
"The lower river is, in many ways, an invisible section of
the river as it is accessible only to the fit and the keen,"
Mr McKenzie said.
If a storage lake was added, as in the second option for
hydro development, the upper river would still be scenic but
it would be a different scene to that currently viewed.
Consultant biologist Ross Dungey said, depending on the
format of the operating regime, the Nevis River should still
support a valuable trout resource even if there was a small
hydro scheme on the river.
A two-lake hydro scheme option would flood 4km to 5km of
river, depending on the scheme design, but would also convert
the river angling opportunity to lake angling opportunity.
A one-lake option would have little effect on the trout
spawning habitat, he said.
Mr Dungey said Gollum galaxiid fish were widespread in the
Nevis River tributaries and were unlikely to be threatened by
a hydro scheme.
• Day 11
Tribunal: Richard Fowler (chairman), Carolyn Burns and
Rauru Kirikiri.
Application: To amend the existing water conservation
order to prevent damming or diversion of the Nevis River.
Players: New Zealand and Otago Fish and Game Councils
for, Pioneer Generation and TrustPower among those against.
Yesterday: Evidence heard from economic consultant
Philip Donnelly, landscape architect David McKenzie and
consultant biologist Ross Dungey.
Quote of the day: "Nevis River generation is required
in the short to medium term to meet the increased demand and
needs of industry and households."
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