15. Resource Quality (Water, Air, Soil) Volume One Discharging contaminants to land avoids the equivalent discharge to freshwater or coastal waters and therefore assists to maintain and enhance water quality in our rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers and coastal waters. For this reason, the policy states a preference for discharges to land. However, it is also acknowledged that there can be limitations to the capacity of soils to treat and/or absorb contaminants. Encouraging discharges to land where these limits would be exceeded may give rise to unsustainable outcomes. Chapter 16 - Waste contains provisions for managing the adverse effects of discharging contaminants to land. [R, C] Policy 15.1.9 – Enable point source discharge of contaminants or water to water where the discharge will not result: (a) in any of the following adverse effects beyond the zone of reasonable mixing: (i) the production of conspicuous oil or grease films, scums, foams or floatable or suspended materials; (ii) any conspicuous change in the colour or significant decrease in the clarity of the receiving waters; (iii) the rendering of freshwater unsuitable for consumption by farm animals; (iv) any significant adverse effect on the growth, reproduction or movement of aquatic life; or (b) in the flooding of or damage to another person’s property. The purpose of this policy is to set criteria for authorising discharges to surface waterbodies or coastal waters as permitted activities. In the absence of a regional rule, these discharges would require a discharge permit. These discharges, provided they meet certain conditions, should not cause any of the adverse effects identified in this policy or Section 70 of the RMA. The matters specified in (a) are the statutory tests for permitted activity rules from Section 70 of the RMA. There is little justification for requiring a discharge permit for an activity that has little or no adverse effects. If state of the environment monitoring indicates that the cumulative effects of permitted activities are adversely affecting water quality, then it is appropriate to review the status of those rules. (Refer to Policy 15.1.14 for the criteria for a zone of reasonable mixing.) [RPS, R, C] Policy 15.1.10 – Require any applicant applying for a discharge permit that proposes the discharge of contaminants to water to consider all potential receiving environments and adopt the best practicable option, having regard to: (a) the nature of the contaminants; (b) the relative sensitivity of the receiving environment; (c) the financial implications and effects on the environment of each option when compared with the other options; and (d) the current state of technical knowledge and the likelihood that each option can be successfully applied. Reflecting the preference for discharges to land expressed in Policy 15.1.8, it is important that any applicant applying for a discharge permit to water has thoroughly considered all potential land or water receiving environments. The applicant will have to demonstrate that the option of discharging to water is the best practicable option given the alternative receiving environments available. Even if the discharge of contaminants to water is the best practicable option, it does not necessarily mean that the discharge permit application will be granted; the remainder of the policies will also be relevant to determining the application. In particular, it is expected that discharges to water will be treated to the highest practicable levels to meet the management purposes set out in Policy 15.1.1. This policy assists to give effect to Policy A3 of the NPSFM and Policy 23 of the NZCPS. 15 – 14