Volume One 16. Waste [RPS, R] Policy 16.3.9 – Encourage artificial wetlands as a means of managing the discharge of contaminants. The use of wetlands can provide an effective method of reducing the level of contamination in water, stormwater or wastewater prior to discharge into the environment. Wetland processes filter out and retain contaminants on a passive and ongoing basis. This may help the discharger to meet the objectives and policies that apply to the subsequent discharge of contaminants to land or water. For this reason, the Council will encourage the use of artificial wetlands. Wetlands may also create biodiversity benefits by creating new habitat. Methods of implementation The methods listed below are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. [RPS, R] 16.M.15 Identification Identify in the MEP those areas with soils most susceptible to the adverse effects of the discharge of contaminants to land. [RPS, R] 16.M.16 Regional rules Permitted activity rules will enable the discharge of contaminants to land in environments where there is a low risk of adverse effects. Standards for the discharge of contaminants onto or into land and for the monitoring of any such discharges will be established, including standards for: • domestic wastewater discharges from on-site wastewater management systems; • dairy shed effluent; • vegetable, fish and shellfish processing wastewater; and • leachate from composting operations. All permitted activity rules will require the preparation and provision of operation and maintenance guidelines for the operator of the wastewater management system. Where the conditions of the permitted activity standards cannot be met, a resource consent will be required and conditions will be imposed to ensure that the operator of the system is well informed about the appropriate operation and maintenance of the system. Where there is a greater potential for adverse effects on the receiving environment, discharges to land will require a resource consent. In some instances, discharges to land will be prohibited. A prohibited activity status will apply to the use of soak pits and will have effect within five years of the MEP becoming operative. This will allow time for replacement with appropriate land application areas to occur. [RPS, D] 16.M.17 District rules Apply district rules to industrial and trade activities requiring them to connect to Council-operated reticulated trade waste infrastructure within industrial zonings and requiring resource consent to establish in areas not zoned industrial. 16 – 13