Rising water pollution protests lead to nitrate emergency declaration by ECan
In a significant move, Environment Canterbury (ECan) has declared a nitrate emergency at its final meeting, following growing concerns over the rising levels of nitrate contamination in the region. The decision was made after ECan's recent annual groundwater survey revealed both E. coli and nitrate concentrations were increasing.
Over the past decade, 62% of wells in the region have shown rising levels of nitrate concentrations, while 20% have shown a decrease. Furthermore, around 10% of wells have nitrate-nitrogen levels above the Maximum Acceptable Value for drinking water. Higher nitrate-nitrogen levels were found in areas around and downstream of intensive farming.
The declaration was submitted by the New Zealand Farmers Federation, and protesters gathered outside the building demanding action. Greenpeace is among those calling on ECan to do more, staging a rally outside its office buildings during the council meeting.
Freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe claimed that nitrate contamination impacts both the environment and human health. He also stated that the cost of nitrate contamination is ultimately borne by the community, as the regulator is responsible for fixing it.
The Resource Management Act (RMA) Reform Minister Chris Bishop has stopped councils from progressing "unnecessary" plans, including freshwater plans. However, the current RMA has a pathway for regional councils to apply to the responsible minister to notify and progress their freshwater plan.
The motion recognizes ECan's responsibility to urgently address groundwater pollution impacting drinking water sources and supplies. The vote was nine for, seven against the motion.
Public consultation on options to replace the freshwater national direction, including proposals to require councils to map drinking water sources, has recently finished. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay expects the new national direction for freshwater management and improved farm plan regulations to be completed by early next year.
The new regulations, according to McClay, will give councils the tools "to improve water quality without unnecessarily harming businesses and the local economy". Waimakariri resident Kate Gillard accused the council of allowing for a huge expansion of dairy farming, which some councillors and government ministers criticized as a political stunt.
Notices of Motion are a way for councillors to put a matter on the agenda for discussion, as stated by Pauling, the councilor. The declaration of a nitrate emergency is a significant step towards addressing the issue, and it remains to be seen how ECan will implement the necessary measures to protect its residents and the environment.
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