Chapter 24 - Mineral Extraction 24.0 Mineral Extraction 24.1 Introduction Apart from gravel, sand, rock, limestone and salt extraction in relatively small quantities mineral extraction is not a strong economic feature of the Wairau/ Awatere planning area. Gravel extraction from rivers assumes some importance in the lower Wairau Plain in particular, where it is an integral component of floodplain and river management. In promoting the principle of sustainable management, the Council has a responsibility to ensure that any adverse effects from the extractive industry are avoided, remedied or mitigated. 24.2 Issue Mineral extraction, including prospecting and exploration can have adverse effects on the environment. While producing economic returns and providing employment in the District, mining can result in adverse impacts on the natural, physical and social environment of an area, including landscape changes, loss of natural ecosystems and conflicts with other land and water users, particularly recreational activities. Poorly situated or managed extraction activities can cause a loss of visual amenity, or nature conservation values; or a loss of rural amenity through noise, dust, blasting, or heavy traffic during extraction operations. Gravel pits can also penetrate or interfere with the shallow water bearing gravels used for irrigation or domestic use. Poorly managed rehabilitation and stormwater control can result in large quantities of sediment entering the District’s waterbodies, with significant loss of water quality and in-stream values. Extraction in steep hillslope and mountainous areas can affect stability of hillslopes and terraces. These impacts are dependent on the sensitivity of the area, the scale of the operation, and how well the operation is managed. 24.3 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 To avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on the environment from mineral extraction, including prospecting and exploration. Policy 1.1 Recognise the potential adverse effects of commercial extractive activities, including mineral exploration, on the rural environment, other recreational resources and users, and on the road network, and to require consent for such operations, in order that an assessment may be made as to the sensitivity of an area and the degree to which an operation will avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects to the amenity and environment of a rural area, including the surface and beds of waterbodies. Policy 1.2 Ensure that during and after mining, sites are progressively rehabilitated in a planned and co-ordinated manner, to enable the establishment of a land use appropriate to the area. 24 - 1