Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Activities involving the use of hazardous substances and facilities can contaminate and reduce water quality. Topography, soil type and vegetation can affect the amount of contamination that occurs. Runoff from land can carry contaminants into streams, rivers, aquifers and coastal water. The extensive coastal area of the Marlborough Sounds is particularly vulnerable to contamination from hazardous substances. Groundwater is also at risk of contamination. If not controlled, hazardous substances could cause significant damage to the district’s waters. Many industrial operations and the majority of residential developments are close to coastal water. Many industrial activities are close to residential areas. The quality of the environment and health and safety of the community are at risk from hazardous facilities. Adequate controls for hazardous facilities are needed to ensure community health and safety. The Plan establishes a management regime that minimises the risk of hazardous substances to the community and the environment. 17.2.1 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Avoidance or mitigation of adverse effects on the environment and community health caused by facilities and activities involving the use, and storage of hazardous substances. Policy 1.1 Locate facilities that store and use hazardous substances so that they do not pose an actual or potential risk to the environment or community health and safety. Policy 1.2 Avoid the adverse effects resulting from the discharge of hazardous substances to land and water. The improper release of hazardous substances into the environment presents a major threat to the life-supporting capacity of the environment and community health. Minimising the risks from use is necessary for preventing or mitigating adverse effects on the environment. Definition of this risk occurs through the Hazardous Facility Screening Procedure (see Appendix C, Volume Two) which determines appropriate locations for hazardous facilities. Important for hazardous facility planning is the avoidance of adverse effects caused by spillage or other accidents. Contingency planning and relevant training are essential to facilitate efficient and co-ordinated emergency responses. Rural activities may involve discharges of chemicals to land, for example pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. This discharge may result in chemical residues entering and remaining in water and is of particular concern in the Marlborough Sounds area. The contamination of the marine environment by chemicals and nutrients could have significant effects on activities using the marine environment, for example marine farming and recreational activities. The use of hazardous substances provides benefits to the community by providing products and services. However, any facilities or activities involving hazardous substances represent a risk. It is important to achieve appropriate environmental protection before accepting the risks and securing the benefits of hazardous substance use. 17 - 2