Chapter 3 - Freshwater Policy 1.3 Avoid the discharge of contaminants into freshwater where it will adversely affect: a) areas identified by iwi as being of special spiritual, cultural or historical significance; b) areas identified as an outstanding landscape; and c) quality of water in the coastal marine area. Policy 1.4 When assessing a permit to discharge water or contaminants into a wetland, lake or river have particular regard to the classification of that water body and the need to: a) Preserve, and where appropriate, restore the natural character of wetlands, lakes and rivers and their margins; b) Protect public health; c) Protect the visual aesthetics of the area; d) Protect the olfactory aesthetics of the area; e) Protect sites of spiritual, historical or cultural significance to Maori identified in accordance with Tikanga Maori, including waahi tapu, tauranga waka, mahinga maataitai and taonga raranga; f) Avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on ecological systems including natural movement and productivity of biota, natural biodiversity and adverse effects on: Fish spawning and nursery areas; Bird-breeding and nursery areas; Fish and bird migration through estuaries; Feeding patterns; Habitats important to the continued survival of any indigenous species; Wildlife and freshwater biota; and The intrinsic value of ecosystems. Policy 1.5 Avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of land use activities on the quality of freshwater. Policy 1.6 Promote and encourage land use practices and measures which avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on water quality. Policy 1.7 Promote and where necessary specify appropriate riparian management practices that will provide for: natural hazard management; provision of public access and recreation; and protection of riparian habitat diversity; in-stream habitat; and water quality. The Pelorus, Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds are enclosed waterbodies with restricted flushing flows within the inner parts of these Sounds. Marlborough Sounds water quality is in part dependent on the freshwater flows into them. This means that the policies contained within Section 9.5.3 will apply to discharges to freshwater where it impacts on coastal water quality. 3 - 3