Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Where Council is of the opinion that any significant adverse effect on the environment may result from an activity, to which an application for a resource consent relates, the Council may request specific information. This includes an explanation of any possible alternative locations or methods for undertaking the activity and the applicant’s reasons for making the proposed choice, as well as the consultation undertaken by the applicant. Where the application is for a discharge permit or a coastal permit to do something that would otherwise contravene section 15 of the Act (relating to discharge of contaminants) [or s.15B], the Council may require an explanation of: • The nature of the discharge and the sensitivity of the proposed receiving environment to adverse effects; • The applicant’s reasons for making the proposed choice; and, • Any possible alternative methods of discharge, including discharge into any other receiving environment. The Council may also commission a report on any matters raised in relation to the application, including a review of any information provided under s.88 (4) or s. 92 of the Act. 1.9 Cross Boundary Issues For administrative purposes of local government and resource management, the Marlborough District Council is a unitary authority having the powers and functions of both a regional council and a district council. This gives the Council responsibility for sustainable management of resource use and the effects of resource using activities within the Marlborough Sounds. This situation reduces the potential for cross boundary issues, but does not completely avoid their occurrence. Cross boundary issues can arise from: • Differences in polices and methods between adjoining plans or Councils; • Adverse effects of activities in adjoining areas; and • Different community aspirations and goals in adjoining areas. Councils which adjoin the Marlborough Sounds planning area include: Tasman, Nelson, Wellington and the remainder of the Marlborough District. Like Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson are Unitary Authorities, while Wellington has separate district and regional councils. As well as geographical boundaries with adjoining Councils the Plan also needs to address administrative cross boundary issues. These issues arise from dealings with bodies having statutory responsibilities for activities with implications for sustainable resource management. These bodies include: Department of Conservation, Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime Safety Authority and Ministry of Transport. Under the Act the mean high water spring boundary separates the primary management responsibilities for the land and water of the coast between agencies. Council, in conjunction with the Minister of Conservation is responsible for the management of the coastal marine area. Landward of mean high water springs the relationship does not occur and Council has full responsibility for sustainable management of the natural and physical resources. 1 - 8