Chapter 17 - Hazardous Substances and Facilities 17.2.2 Methods of Implementation Assessment The Council will assess and manage hazardous facilities with a focus on the hazard potential of those facilities and activities that use and store hazardous substances, including the intrinsic properties of the substances themselves. This risk assessment will be based on the combined assessment of the hazard of a substance, its physical form and the manner in which it is used or stored. Zoning Zones will appropriately locate activities involving similar levels of risk associated with the use and storage of hazardous substances. Zone based rules define threshold levels for hazardous substance risk and require all hazardous facilities that are permitted activities to comply with performance standards. Rules The Hazardous Facility Screening Procedure will be used to assess the risk of from an activity or facility and take taking into account risks associated with the transport of hazardous substances to determine whether the proposal will be permitted or require a consent. The Council will monitor existing facilities to ensure compliance with other relevant legislation. Existing facilities will be subjected to the Hazardous Facility Screening Procedure when they expand or alter their operations. Where it is considered that an existing facility is operating at a level of risk which has or may have a significant adverse effect on the environment, the Council will consider using its enforcement powers under the Act. Conditions will be imposed on resource consents, as appropriate, to take into account relevant standards and Codes of Practice as part of the Hazardous Facility Screening Procedure. Site management plans may be required as a condition of consent. Such plans will put in place measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring while spill contingency or other emergency plans allow the facilitation of efficient and well co-ordinated responses to any accidents. The Plan requires all hazardous facilities that either exceed the threshold effects ratio for the zone or fail to meet the permitted performance standards to be considered as Discretionary Activities. Monitoring The Council will maintain a list of all consented users of hazardous substances and facilities as part of the Hazardous Facility Screening Procedure and will monitor changes to their operations or facilities that may pose an increased risk to the environment or community health. The Council will monitor compliance with section 97 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and carry out enforcement functions. 17 - 3