The alternative to using the Murphys Creek as a drainage channel for the new area is to extend an existing pipeline further along the Middle Renwick Road to take the stormwater directly to the Taylor River. Two alternative outlet positions have been assessed for feasibility and the options costed at between $2.3M and $3.3M. The Council is required to act as an ‘honest broker’ in such matters. As a unitary authority they are responsible for regulating and monitoring the water quality of natural water courses as well as providing a stormwater service to the urban residents. Ultimately the Council is required to make a decision on how limited public funds are best spent and will need to balance the costs and benefits of the competing demands. The evidence from the scientific investigations and the independent analysis will provide an empirical basis for continuing the debate with the stakeholders. It is likely this approach will form a model for the community consultative process for the implementation of other Stormwater Management Areas in the Blenheim strategy and subsequent strategies. 2.5 What We Have To Do - Legal Obligations and Restraints Local Government Act 2002 S.10The purpose of local government is a) To enable local democratic decision making and on behalf of, communities; and b) To meet current and future needs of the communities for good quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost effective for households and businesses. ‘Good quality’ in the legislation is defined as - efficient, effective and appropriate for present and projected future requirements. S.11A - States local authorities are required to provide ‘core services’. Network services are listed as a core service S.125 - requires the local authority to undertake an assessment of the water and sanitary services within their area. S.126 - States the purpose of an assessment is to assess the “adequacy of water and other sanitary services available to communities…” in terms of the quality of the service currently available; the potential health risks from the absence or deficiency of the service; the current and estimated future demand and the potential consequences of discharges of sewage and stormwater. The Building Act 2004 – The Building Act requires new houses and habitable buildings to be designed with the floor level above the 50 year ARI event. It also requires that a 10 year ARI event not to cause nuisance to other properties. This applies only to the building of new houses, but there is an implicit indication that these are appropriate standards for older properties too. Health Act 1956 - Requires Council to improve, promote and protect public health within its region. Stormwater drainage is integral to the public health. Resource Management Act 1991 - The purpose of the act is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. Section 15 (a) states no person is allowed to discharge water or contaminants into water unless it is expressly allowed to do so. This is the major piece of legislation that controls the quality and quantity of stormwater that is discharged into local waterways. Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 - Provides the legislation for the occupational health and safety of staff employed in the stormwater operation. Page 18