Otago Regional Council’s annual winter flyovers are set to begin in the coming weeks to focus on identifying activities contributing to poor water quality across the region.
Portfolio co-lead councillor Robbie Byars said the annual flyovers look at a range of activities including intensive winter grazing, large land disturbances around forestry and earthworks, and any machinery working in or around waterways.
"After each flyover, staff assess the information available and undertake site visits to ground truth and check compliance on any potential high-risk sites."
The ORC undertook compliance flights every year to gain a bird’s-eye view on land use in districts around the region to identify any potential risks to water quality, Cr Byars said.
ORC compliance manager Simon Wilson said while the regulations had changed over the years, good practice still meant good environmental outcomes.
"Whether a consent is in place or not, farmers are encouraged to continue to have a grazing management plan in place to support good on-farm decisions around grazing and mitigation measures," Mr Wilson said.
A compliance programme would continue for this winter period, with an education-first approach and assessment of any onsite risks to the environment.
The council expect all farmers, forestry contractors and earth-moving contractors to have a plan in place for managing sediment which could be mobilised, and have controls in place to keep that sediment from getting into Otago’s waterways, Mr Wilson says.
Anyone who sees pollution to a waterway is encouraged to contact ORC’s 24/7 Pollution Hotline on 0800 800 033, or email pollution@orc.govt.nz
