1 July 2011 Chapter 6 - Fresh Water • No lessening of the in-stream value classifications set out in Appendix A; • Maintenance of natural character of high and very high value fresh water resources; • Avoidance of reductions in spring flows; • Prevention of landward shift of the marine and fresh water interface; • Prevention of damage to the physical structure of aquifers; • Reduced conflict between users reported to the Council; • Reduced interference between neighbouring bores; • Adequate provision of SFRs measured by fish number surveys, including protection of fish passage and spawning grounds; • Protection of the Mauri of specified fresh water resources; • Less feedback to the Council that allocations are not being fully used; • Maintenance or enhancement of amenity values; • Protection of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna; • Social, economic and cultural well-being of the communities; and • Improved understanding of existing freshwater quality and the effects of point and non-point discharges on water quality. The following Policies have been added to this plan as directed by the National Policy Statement Freshwater management 2011 in accordance with Section 55 of the Resource Management Act 1991. 6.9 Water Quality 1. When considering any application for a discharge the consent authority must have regard to the following matters: a) the extent to which the discharge would avoid contamination that will have an adverse effect on the life-supporting capacity of fresh water including on any ecosystem associated with fresh water and b) the extent to which it is feasible and dependable that any more than minor adverse effect on fresh water, and on any ecosystem associated with fresh water, resulting from the discharge would be avoided. 2. This policy applies to the following discharges (including a diffuse discharge by any person or animal): a) a new discharge or 6 - 17