Environment Canterbury has published 27 reports from some of the individuals, businesses and community groups set to present evidence for and against the proposed quarry.
Evidence has been provided by submitters including the city council, Christchurch Airport, New Zealand Transport Agency, Templeton Residents’ Association and Yaldhurst Rural Residents’ Association.
The hearings on Fulton Hogan’s application to open a quarry on Dawsons, Jones, Maddisons and Curraghs Rd will start on November 18.
Evidence has been released from groups in support of the quarry, including Aggregate and Quarry Association of New Zealand and Allied Concrete.
Templeton Residents’ Association treasurer Jolene Eagar is due to speak at the hearings on behalf of the association’s ‘no quarry sub-committee’. The committee’s evidence says if the quarry application is approved, it will set a “dangerous” precedent for the future.
“The TRA received a very strong message from residents and businesses of Templeton and its surrounding area, they were here first and they have worked hard to build happy, peaceful lives. They do not want the proposed quarry.”
The committee’s evidence highlighted several concerns, including the quarry’s potentialimpact on water quality and property values, as well as traffic and noise.
However, evidence provided by Aggregate and Quarrying Association of New Zealand chief executive Wayne Scott said the quarry will benefit Canterbury.
“Fulton Hogan is proposing the best practice mitigation measures for the site and has developed a detailed quarry rehabilitation plan. AQA is supportive of Fulton Hogan’s commitment to going beyond compliance.”
Fulton Hogan has already made a number of changes to its plan before the hearings start. They include no processing of aggregates before 7am or after 8pm and there will be a limit of 800 truck movements per day.
The NZTA evidence covered a range of issues, including traffic congestion in the Dawsons Rd area. It suggested installing electronic signs warning motorists not to use certain roads.
On behalf of the Canterbury District Health Board, Stephen Gordon Chiles’ evidence said the proposed conditions do not adequately manage noise from off-site trucks. He made recommendations including imposing a consent condition prohibiting trucks with audible engine brakes from entering the site.
Meanwhile, the number of people speaking at the hearings is still to be finalised. An ECan spokeswoman said a schedule will be available a week before the hearings.
The hearings are due to take place on November 18-22, December 2- 6 and December 9-13.
