Volume One 15. Resource Quality (Water, Air, Soil) [RPS, R, C] Policy 15.1.11 – When considering any discharge permit application for the discharge of contaminants to water, regard will be had to: (a) the potential adverse effects of the discharge on spiritual and cultural values of Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi; (b) the extent to which contaminants present in the discharge have been removed or reduced through treatment; and (c) whether the discharge is of a temporary or short term nature and/or whether the discharge is associated with necessary maintenance work for any regionally significant infrastructure. In order to protect the mauri of nga wai, it is essential to have regard to the potential adverse effects on the spiritual and cultural values of Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi when considering any discharge permit application for the discharge of contaminants to water. The relevant iwi will be those who are kaitiaki for the receiving waters or those who have a statutory acknowledgement with respect to the waterbody. The position of iwi will inform the decision making process about the resources or values of significance to tangata whenua, the potential adverse effects of the discharge on these resources and values, and appropriate measures necessary to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects. The position of iwi would preferably be established by the resource consent applicant in consultation with the iwi as part of the process of assessing environmental effects. The outcome of this consultation would then be reflected in the subsequent resource consent application. The adverse effects of any discharge on water quality can depend on the level of contaminants present in the discharge. It is therefore appropriate that decision makers have regard to whether the discharge is treated and the extent of treatment. They can use this information to determine whether the applicant has reduced the level of contaminants sufficiently in the context of the actual or potential adverse effects. It is also important that decision makers have regard to any practical or technological limitations to further treatment. The policy assists to avoid and mitigate the adverse effects of point source discharges on water quality by encouraging dischargers to minimise the level of contaminants present in discharges to water. The anticipated duration of the discharge and the purpose for which it is undertaken are relevant to the consideration of the adverse effects of any discharge requiring a permit. This is particularly the case for discharges that do not comply with the water quality classification standards set for the receiving waters. In such situations, a discharge undertaken for a short or temporary period(s) may still be appropriate, depending on the significance of any adverse effects that result from the non-compliance. Similarly, discharges associated with the maintenance of regionally significant infrastructure may be appropriate when the importance of the ongoing function of the infrastructure is weighed against the adverse effects of non-compliance. This policy assists to give effect to Policy D1 of the NPSFM and Policy 23 of the NZCPS. [RPS, R, C] Policy 15.1.12 – After considering Policies 15.1.10 and 15.1.11, approve discharge permit applications to discharge contaminants into water where: (a) the discharge complies with the water quality classification standards set for the waterbody, after reasonable mixing; or (b) in the case of non-compliance with the water quality classification standards set for the waterbody: (i) the consent holder for an existing discharge can demonstrate a reduction in the concentration of contaminants and a commitment to a staged approach for achieving the water quality classification standards within a period of no longer than five years from the date the consent is granted; and 15 – 15