Marlborough District Council Roading Assets - Activity Management Plan 2015 - 2018 SECTION 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.8.4 Key Environmental Initiatives The environmental improvement approach is the beginning of a ‘continuous improvement model’ which is a key component of a successful environmental management system allowing changes and improvements over time. This is achieved via a “Plan, Do, Check and Act” process model. The checking component allows a company or organisation to assess their performance, identify opportunities for poveent, and then incorporate the improvements into the next planning stage. For continuous improvement to work the buy-in is needed from those operating in this area and as such success relies on a proactive approach to both understand and implement better environmental practice. The following discussion identifies some of the initiatives undertaken within the region in relation to roading, the environment and sustainability. 1.8.4.1 Resource Consents A number of resource consents are held that apply to local roads. Some consents are for specific sites and specific activities or structures, such as a culvert, others apply across a Plan area or the entire region. 1.8.4.2 Designations A designation is a mechanism that enables the management of existing infrastructure and identifies future land requirements to be signalled in a resource management plan. The provisions of the Plan, including zoning, do not apply to land use activities (Section 9(1) of the RMA) on designated land where activities are undertaken by way of the designation and undertaken by the requiring authority, being the party holding the designation. 1.8.5 Specific Actions Each of the specific actions that is carried out or could be carried out within the region where it relates to providing an environmentally aware or sustainable roading network is discussed below. 1.8.5.1 Noxious Weeds Currently noxious weeds are being controlled well on the roading network, however as with many activities there is room for improvement, and it is an action required to occur repeatedlyaa gevel to ensure effective control. In previous years the process has been put in place to control Chilean Needle Grass that involves an early mow of the roadside vegetation, then allowing this to grow so the needle grass is clearly identifiable, with targeted spraying of the needle grass. This practice has resulted in positive feedback from Council’s pest control department should be continued. 1.8.5.2 Herbicide Use – types and controls Herbicides, predominantly non-residual herbicides are used as a spot spraying tool around sign posts, power poles, edge markers, culvert head walls and other such similar structures that are located within legal road. Broader use of herbicides does not occur within the region. There is therefore a limited, and as necessary only, use of herbicides. This can control the potential environmental issues that can arise from the use of herbicides. In addition, there is a No Spray Register which property owners with road frontage can register on. This then involves the erection of signs along the frontage of the property, and spraying does not occur within these areas. This generally occurs with organic farms or orchards at the present time. 1.8.5.3 Recycled Pavements (Unbound / Bound) Recycling pavements is possible where an existing sealed surface is to be resealed. Recycling involves milling the existing surface and base course and then using this for base course with a new surface on top. The strength of a pavement is determined by the base course, either the depth or the makeup of it. With milled surfaces, the depth is often less than would be required to provide the necessary strength. To ensure adequate strength is achieved the milled material is often bound with lime, cement or bitumen type products. 30 September 2014 Page 153 of Section 1