Volume One 13. Use of the Coastal Environment [RPS, R, C, D] Objective 13.19 – Enable the production of solar salt at Lake Grassmere in a sustainable manner. The production of solar salt at Lake Grassmere is unique in New Zealand and some of the methods used are unique in the world. It is therefore important that provision is made in the MEP to enable the activity to continue. As the salt works operation stands, it is lawfully established, having existing use rights under the RMA for a good part of its operations. Notwithstanding these rights, it is important that activity continues in a sustainable manner. [RPS, R, C, D] Policy 13.19.1 – Recognise the national and District significance of the salt works operation. The Council recognises the importance of the salt works operation at Lake Grassmere in terms of its national and District significance. The Council has therefore identified the area used by the salt works operation with a specific zone that reflects the activities that occur there. The zone extends to provision within the coastal marine area to accommodate the intake of seawater. [R, C, D] Policy 13.19.2 – Enable the continuation of the salt works operation, provided that appropriate measures are in place to avoid the potential for cross-boundary effects and that any other adverse effects on the environment are avoided, remedied or mitigated. The solar production of salt has the potential to cause environmental effects, particularly for the surrounding rural land. These effects include dust, noise, soil contamination and wind-borne salt foam. However, because the salt works operation is already established, a degree of permissiveness has been provided by the rules for established activities with minor adverse effects. Resource consents are required for other activities where there may need to be a higher level of scrutiny to ensure adverse effects can be avoided, remedied or mitigated. [R, C, D] Policy 13.19.3 – Encourage the establishment of a landcare group comprising residents, iwi, Department of Conservation and the salt works company to manage the boundary area of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works Zone. The Council considers that the establishment of a landcare group or similar would be of benefit to those with interests in the area, particularly in terms of the continued management of the effects of the salt works operation at the boundary of the zone. [C, D] Policy 13.19.4 – Activities in the coastal marine area will be required to meet standards that will maintain the quality of coastal water at Class NS within a one kilometre radius of the coastal water intake existing at 30 May 2002. It is important to recognise that the salt works operation relies on the ability to pump high quality sea water into the lake to begin the salt production process. This policy, although not applicable within the Lake Grassmere Salt Works Zone itself, sets a standard for water quality that activities occurring outside the Zone need to ensure is maintained. Methods of implementation The methods listed below are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. 13 – 57