Volume One 13. Use of the Coastal Environment (f) the operation of any existing activity or any activity that has been granted resource consent. This policy provides direction to decision makers as to the matters to be considered on resource consent applications for reclamation or drainage in the coastal marine area. It gives effect to a number of the policies within the NZCPS as well as the matters of national importance in Section 6 of the RMA. In determining whether a reclamation or drainage is appropriate at any particular location, regard must be had to other policy in this chapter and others in the MEP. [C] Policy 13.11.5 – Reclamations shall be designed taking into account relevant dynamic coastal processes, including sea level rise. This policy helps to give effect to the provisions of the NZCPS regarding coastal hazards. It is important that reclamations are designed by appropriately qualified experts to ensure these matters are taken into account. [C] Policy 13.11.6 – Material used to create and form any reclamation or impoundment should not include contaminants, which could significantly and adversely affect water quality, aquatic ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity in the coastal marine area. This policy effectively directs that materials to be used in a reclamation or impoundment should be inert, to avoid contaminants being leached into the coastal marine area. This helps to protect water quality, aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity values identified in the policy. This policy also gives effect to Policy 10(2)(c) of the NZCPS. [C] Policy 13.11.7 – Where practicable for the purpose of public access, an esplanade reserve or strip shall be required to be set aside on reclaimed areas of the coastal marine area. Enhancement of public access along the coastal marine area is a matter of national importance in the RMA. Policy 10 of the NZCPS also requires that, where practicable, regard is had to providing for public access along a reclaimed area. There may be some circumstances where it will not be practicable to provide for public access along reclaimed areas and regard should be had to Objective 9.2 of Chapter 9 - Public Access and Open Space, which sets out these circumstances. [C] Policy 13.11.8 – The finished appearance of the reclaimed or drained area and its future use shall as far as practicable be compatible with the environment in which it is to be located. For landscape reasons, including visual amenity, it is important that consideration is given to the finished appearance of a reclaimed area and its future use. For areas located away from established ports or marinas, a reclamation could be a significant visual intrusion within the coastal environment and mitigation of this impact is important. Indeed, if not compatible with the existing form of development, the appearance of a reclaimed area and subsequent development could still have an adverse visual impact even within modified areas of the coastal environment, such as Picton or Havelock. The policy also helps to give effect to Policy 10 of the NZCPS. 13 – 35