Case Studies

Reef Survey & Assessment of Environmental Effects

Rangatira Reef, South Westshore, Napier

Assessment of areal extent of Rangatira Reef
Development of a geo-referenced habitat map of subtidal Rangatira Reef.
Assessment of Environmental Effects from the proposed construction of a breakwater

The Napier City Council proposal to build a breakwater off Whakarire Avenue in South Westshore to stabilise coastal erosion required a survey of the adjoining Rangatira Reef. The survey resulted in the development of a spatially explicit map of subtidal reef habitats. The map was then used to assess the scale and types of effects likely to occur from the construction of the breakwater.

Wairoa District Council Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wairoa River Estuary, Hawke's Bay

Influent and effluent characterisations of Councils oxidation ponds
Dye tracer study of Councils effluent outfall (plume assessment)
Benthic survey of the area surrounding effluent outfall
Assessment of Environmental Effects

This project aimed to provide an increased quantitative understanding of the role the Wairoa District Council's Wastewater Treatment Plant discharge had in the local receiving environment in terms of sediment quality, water quality, benthic ecosystems, and potentially human health.

Antifoulant Paint Study

Ahuriri Estuary - Inner Harbour, Napier

Characterisation of marine sediments in terms of:
- composition
- trace metals
- organic contaminants
Assessment of environmental implications

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council commissioned this study to determine the levels of heavy metals and antifoulant paint residues in and around marina and boat maintenance areas of the Inner Harbour. This area is at the mouth of a nationally significant conservation area and important fisheries resource, the Ahuriri Estuary.

Windsor Park Pond and Stream Remediation

Hastings, Hawke's Bay

Environmental management plan
Consultation
Assessment of Environmental Effects
Remediation & Restoration plans

The Hastings District Council required clean up, remediation and restoration of the Windsor Park Pond and Stream. The entire process was managed by EAM, from consultation to remediation and restoration.

Residential Rural Subdivision with Ponds

Foxton Beach, Horowhenua

Environmental management plan
Environmental earthworks construction plan
Pond management plan
Ecology planting plan
Project management & liaison
Remote terminal server quality assurance
Remote terminal server environmental monitoring

The client engaged EAM to move a challenging project forward. This development is currently being managed by EAM, from the earthworks phase to completion.

Regional Coastal Sediment Survey

Hawke's Bay Coastal Marine Area

Characterisation of coastal sediment composition and quality in terms of trace metals and organic content.
Evaluation of background concentration of trace metals in coastal Hawke's Bay marine sediments

The survey provided the Hawke's Bay Regional Council with baseline information on sediment quality within the coastal marine area of the Hawke's Bay region. This information provides a yardstick against which the effects of human activities on the coastal marine environment can be measured.

Stream Depletion Study

Paritua Water Conservation Group, Hawke's Bay

Literature review of information on Paritua Stream and unconfined aquifer
Documentation of historical anecdotal information on Paritua Stream
Stream bed assessment and groundwater level monitoring
Modelling of hydraulic seperation between water table and stream.

During the groundwater consent renewal process a number of wells were identified by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council as being potentially stream depleting. A group of local landowners formed a consortium and employed EAM to conduct a stream depletion assessment across a study area which included all their properties. The work carried out suggests a possible seperation between the stream and the water table. Further monitoring to confirm the relationship between the stream and the groundwater is underway.

Stream Ecological Survey and Assessment of Effects

Otakarara Stream, Willowford, Hawke's Bay

Consultation with affected parties including; DoC, Fish & Game, HBRC.
Flow, water quality and ecological assessments
Modelling of effects on ecology from water abstraction
Assessment of Effects on ecology
Ongoing routine flow monitoring

A proposal to establish a large dairy farm on terrace land adjacent to the Otakarara Stream and Tutaekuri River was dependent in part upon accessing a suitable supply of water for the farm. EAM was instrumental in assisting the applicant in achieving the required amount of water, above Ministry for the Environment prescribed levels and allowed the proposal to go ahead.

Napier City Council Public Supply Well - Pump Test

Awatoto, Napier, Hawke's Bay

Assessment of groundwater conditions
Identification of potential saline boundaries
Well lithology logging and particle size distribution (PSD) analyses
Aquifer pump test
Assessment of Environmental Effects

Prior to drilling a new public potable water supply well for the Napier City Council probable groundwater characteristics and geology of the site were determined. From this information recommendations on the well's technical specifications, including well screen placement and optimum aperture size were made. Post drilling an aquifer pump test was conducted, providing the information necessary for an Assessment of Environmental Effects to accompany a Resource Consent application.

Extension to Hawke's Bay Expressway

Irongate Stream, Hastings District, Hawke's Bay

Ecological Survey of Irongate Stream
Habitat assessment of surrounding area
Mitigation measures proposed
Submission and presentation of evidence to Commissioners Hearing

Plans for the extension to the Hawke's Bay Expressway see the road passing through an area of agricultural and horticultural land and crossing two water courses. EAM carried out the required fieldwork and reporting for the proposal under sub-contract to Opus International Consultants, and then acted as expert witness in the ensuing Commissioners for the Environment Hearing. Concerns about the proposal, in relation to effects to the aquatic life, and integrity of the Irongate Stream were allayed during the hearing and consent for this major project was granted.