Wairau/ Awatere Resource Management Plan 20 January 2011 Reclamations, like foreshore structures, can adversely alter physical processes along the coastline and destroy valuable habitats. It is important to locate and design reclamations so that environmental effects are avoided, remedied or mitigated. Sand and Shingle Extraction In the past sand and shingle extraction has not been undertaken within the coastal marine area of East Marlborough Coast. Some sand mining occurred above mean high water springs near the Waima (Ure) River up until 1990. Sand deposits near the Waima (Ure) River are estimated at 6,750,000 tonnes and are a potentially valuable resource. The three main reasons for the lack of interest in extraction are the sea conditions, lack of anchorage and the plentiful supply of shingle, gravel and sand elsewhere at inland sites or in nearby rivers. Sand and shingle extraction can have adverse effects on the coastal environment if not managed properly. Extraction can result in sediment starvation further along the coast resulting in localised erosion especially during storm events. Along Cloudy Bay the freshwater Wairau aquifer is close to the surface and could be easily pierced. Any extractions will need to be carefully monitored to assess long term impacts and to identify any unforeseen effects on the environment. Dredging and Deposition Dredging generally has an adverse effect on the immediate ecosystem and depending on the distance any suspended sediment travels, may have an adverse effect on a much larger area. The resulting dredgings can be disposed of on land, used for reclamation or dumped at sea. Recent environmental thinking tends to support disposal of dredgings at sea, or use in approved reclamations, however areas with non-sensitive habitats need to be selected to avoid long-term ecological damage. Oil Pollution Oil spills from major accidents are potentially the most visual form of coastal pollution, and the effects on wildlife around the world have been well documented. Along the East Marlborough Coast the risk from oil spills is presently very low. However the gravel beaches of the East Marlborough Coast would be sensitive to oil spills because of their rapid infiltration rate. 9.21 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Protection of the coastal environment from the adverse effects of activities that disturb or alter the foreshore or seabed. Policy 1.1 In assessing applications for any reclamation, drainage, or impoundment within the coastal marine area the Council shall consider: (a) Alternative methods or land-based sites (above MHWS) for the activity for which the reclamation, drainage or impoundment is required, and whether this alternative is practicable; and 9 - 16