Posted on February 28, 2024
Conversations have started between Port Taranaki and users of the harbour as work begins to renew its dredging resource consents.
It’s two years out, but the Port is working towards putting in its dredging consents application with Taranaki Regional Council by the end of 2024 as it was crucial to its ability to trade as a deep-water port, a spokesperson from the Port said.
The Port’s dredging vessel, the Albatros, removes sediment and sand build-up to keep shipping channels clear for trade and status as an emergency utility for disasters.
Port Taranaki would be engaging with iwi and hapū, councils, conservation groups, recreational groups and others to hear their thoughts and explain the consents application process, chief executive Simon Craddock said.
“Operating in and alongside the marine environment, protecting and enhancing the harbour is extremely important to us – as it is to many people in our community.
“We want to ensure that the public are well informed and that we are aware of any and all concerns so these can be investigated as part of our studies and preparation, ahead of lodging out consents application.”
One aspect of the consents application would focus on the impact of the dredging dumping sites, such as the onshore site for clean course sand and an offshore area for fine sand, including silt and mud.
The Port had appointed experienced marine and planning consultant Dr Alison Lane as the project manager to assist with the development of the consents application.
Simon Craddock is the chief executive of Port Taranaki Limited.
She said it was is important to determine the best way to manage the dredging activities to avoid adversely impacting the environmental, cultural, recreational, and commercial values of the coast.
“As part of this process, we will carefully assess the behaviour of sediments in the current disposal grounds over the past two decades to see if these are still the most suitable sites, or if modification of the sites would be beneficial.”
The Albatros dredges Port Taranaki.
Marine scientists from the regional council who regularly monitored the disposal approach had not found any adverse effects on the Kawaroa Reef or the Arakaitai Reef, a statement from Port Taranaki said.
