Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 11 September 2014 b) An assessment of the geological nature of the foreshore or seabed to be damaged, destroyed, or disturbed, including particle size distribution for unconsolidated settlements; c) An assessment of any actual or potential effects the activity may have on people and communities; and d) The effect on utilities including subaqueous cables. 35.4.2.6 Discharge of Human Sewage Any discharge of treated human sewage to the coastal marine area which has passed through soil or a wetland shall be a Discretionary Activity. 35.4.2.6.1 Standards a) The discharge shall not render shellfish unsuitable for human consumption; b) The natural temperature of the water shall not be changed by more than 3 degrees Celsius; c) The following shall not have any significant adverse effect on aquatic life: • Any pH change; • Any increase in the deposition of matter on the foreshore or seabed; and • Any discharge of a contaminant into the water. d) The concentration of dissolved oxygen in the discharge shall exceed 80% of the saturation concentration; e) There shall be no undesirable biological growths as a result of any discharge of a contaminant into the water; f) Aquatic organisms shall not be rendered unsuitable for human consumption by the presence of contaminants; and g) The visual clarity of the water shall not be so low as to be unsuitable for bathing. h) Median faecal coliform concentration of not less than five samples, taken within any consecutive 30 day period, shall not exceed a Most Probable Number (MPN) of 14 per 100ml (or Colony Forming Units per 100ml), and not more than ten percent of samples taken within any consecutive 30 day period shall exceed and MPN of 43 per 100ml (or 43 Colony Forming Units per 100ml) as a result of any discharge of a contaminant or water. Samples shall not be taken on the same or consecutive days. 35.4.2.6.2 Assessment Criteria a) The impact of the discharge having regard to the effect of currents, tides, waves and winds on horizontal transport and vertical mixing of the contaminant; b) The effect of the discharge having regard to - • Temperature; • BOD5; • Suspended solids; • pH; and • The chemical content of the discharge, including any heavy metals or other toxic substances. 35 - 22