Environment and Social Issues Flashcards
Definition of Environment includes:
a) ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities
b) all natural and physical resources
c) amenity values
d) the social, economic, aesthetic, and cultural conditions which affect the matters stated in paragraphs (a) to (c) or which are affected by those matters
Role of Plans
- prepared in accordance with RMA
- provide an opportunity for community engagement into the planning process
- give developers ideas of what will be acceptable and what will not
- give community confidence that environment will not be cut to bits
- proposals accepted if no rule against them and proper environmental affect assessment conducted
Hierachy of Plans
- National Policy Statements
- National Environmental Statement
- Regional Policy Statements
- Regional Plans
- District Plans
Application of National Policy Statements
matters of national significance e.g. fresh water and renewable energy
Application of National Environmental Statement
opportunity for central government to promote consistent standards e.g. NES for Contaminated Land
Application of Regional Policy Statements
direction and framework aimed at regions RM issues
Application of Regional Plans
cover issues within the function of the RC e.g. water quality and quantity
Application of District Plans
assist DC to carry out their functions under the RMA e.g. landuse rezoning
Discretionary activity
has effects that are generally appropriate to the zone depending on
- the scale and nature of the activity
- the site and surrounding land uses
- how the activity is managed
Non-complying activity
has effects that are generally inappropriate to the zones, and that are therefore generally inconsistent with the objectives and policies of the zone
Regional Plan Rules for:
- discharges (including stormwater, wastewater and air emissions)
- water takes (including, groundwater, surface water abstraction, diversions of surface water)
- land use (waste management, excavations)
National Environmental Standards
- Regional Councils typically address discharge of contaminants to land and water
- however require TLAs to manage the disturbance of potentially contaminated soil from a human health perspective
- requires a series of investigations if land is likely to be subject to existing or past land use activities that are considered to be HAIL
HAIL
Hazardous Activities and Industries List
Contaminated Land Management
- Regional Councils and local authorities have duty to identify contaminated land under RMA
- implementation varies across regions and councils
- factors that increased publicity/accelerated process:
- Christchurch earthquakes and subsequent land/building repairs
- implementation of NES soil
Designations
- land designated for a certain purpose will be shown in the DP
- will not require land use consent, as designation addresses land use effects at the time it is considered
- will have outline pln to show extent and purpose of land use development
- provides certainty for the requiring authority that the development proposal is protected and can be undertaken in the future
