Chapter 1: Introduction Stormwater drainage services are provided to the urban areas of the Marlborough Region through the Asset and Services Department of Marlborough District Council. The stormwater infrastructure is a reticulated network of pipes, channels, pump stations and associated apparatus required to drain rainwater from residencies, commercial/industrial properties and surrounding land. The service is predominantly focused on the urban areas where the density of buildings and urban infrastructure disrupt the natural flow-paths and soakage of surface water. This activity contributes to the Community Outcomes of: Environment by providing urban drainage networks that effectively manage flood risk and potential surface contamination from entering aquatic environments. People and Economy by providing a safeguard against stormwater flooding of residential and commercial property. Stormwater drainage is integral to and reliant upon the flow and channel conditions of the receiving water courses. The Rivers and Land Drainage Department of the council manage the main rivers and creeks that receive stormwater discharges. The Rivers Department maintains over 180 km of stop banks on the main Wairau River that protect around 20,000 ha of fertile land. It also manages a further 320 kms of rivers and stream channels along with floodway reserve land and erosion control works. To achieve an effective and efficient drainage of surface waters closely coordinated management between the two departments is essential. The relationship has long been recognised through various administrative regimes. Recently there has been significant progress to formalise planning and operational management. The Blenheim Stormwater Strategy and the subsequent implementation arm - the Stormwater Action Group - are proving to be very effective mechanisms for coordinating the management of a complex relationship. The strategy is a detailed analysis of the stormwater issues for the town and a fundamental element to the infrastructure planning. It is heavily referred to and relied on in the development of the asset management plan. The stormwater asset management plan has been developed in close cooperation with the Rivers and Drainage Department and their assistance is gratefully acknowledged. Components of the Introduction: 1.1 Purpose – what the asset management plan seeks to achieve. 1.2 Strategic Goals – how stormwater asset management fits into the wider Council vision, goals and objectives. 1.3 Asset Management Plan – the asset management process, history and objectives. 1.4 Asset Management in Relation to the Planning Process – a summary of other planning processes within the Council. 1.5 Stormwater Assets Included in the Plan – a short summary of the stormwater assets managed by the Council. 1.6 Stakeholders – the main stakeholders and interested parties in the stormwater activity. 1.7 Organisational Structure – how the stormwater function is managed within the Council structure. 1.8 Negative Effects – the consequences of not providing or not delivering a satisfactory stormwater service. 1.9 Plan Framework- a short description of the main elements of the asset management plan. 1.10 AM Planning Maturity- a discussion on the developmental status of stormwater asset management planning. Page 1