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This part contains the following sections:-
Energy is included within the definition of “natural and physical resources” in the Resource Management Act 1991 and must therefore be managed in a sustainable way. It is a resource which is of fundamental importance to modern societies. In New Zealand, the transport and industry sectors account for some two-thirds of total energy consumption, while the domestic sector consumes a little less than 15%.
In terms of this Plan, energy needs to be considered from two perspectives:
· The effects of using energy; and · The effects of developing energy resources
The effects of both using and developing energy resources are wide-ranging and have a global significance. Energy use can be inefficient and unsustainable, and can have global implications in terms of CO2 emission and its impact on climate change. Developing energy resources can have significant environmental effects, including the global implications of CO2 emission. There can be great disruptions to, and loss of, natural ecosystems, habitats, landscape, infrastructure and communities.
While the Plan is concerned with the management and control of these adverse effects, energy developments can also create positive economic, physical and social benefits to communities. These positive impacts must also be considered in any discussion and consideration of energy development.
The following are considered to be the significant resource management issues related to Energy within the Clutha District:
· The global effects of greenhouse gas emissions Explanation Although there is uncertainty within the scientific community over the issue of climate change, the emission of “greenhouse” gases has been identified as a potential influence on the global climate with resulting effects on a wide range of human activities. Carbon dioxide is not the only “greenhouse” gas but it has been targeted by the international community because it is considered to be the greatest contributor to the enhanced “greenhouse” effect. While Central Government has yet to finalise the way in which it intends to deal with CO2 emissions, Council for its part will address the issue by adopting objectives, policies and methods that seek a more efficient use of energy thereby reducing potential greenhouse gas emission.
· Energy waste and inefficient use and production of energy.
Explanation Potentially there is significant scope for making better use of existing energy. Energy efficiency methods are important for matching energy forms with end-use and for minimising the loss of available energy from conversion processes. The development and adoption of appropriate energy use technologies could also lead to more efficient use. This has been recognised by Central Government which has established the Energy and Efficiency Conservation Authority which provides advice on energy efficiency and actively works to improve energy efficiency in New Zealand. Indications are that New Zealand’s energy intensity (measured as the amount of energy used to produce a dollar value of output) is declining, reversing the trend of the past decade. This needs to continue to ensure the sustainable management of our natural and physical resources.
· There is potential for the development of energy resources within the Clutha District
Explanation Power generation already exists within the District in the form of hydro electricity generation on the Waipori River.
The Lower Clutha River has been seen as a significant potential resource for hydro development for some years now. A number of sites including Barnego, Tuapeka Mouth, Birch Island and Beaumont have been subject to investigation. Current investigations by ECNZ are now based on a power station at Tuapeka Mouth, with a nominal generation capacity of 350 MW.
As outlined in the Section 2.5 Minerals, significant coal and lignite reserves exist in the Clutha District. New thermal power generating technology may see this resource developed as an important energy resource in the future.
Other potential renewable energy sources include wind, biogas, biofuels and solar energy, although there has not to date, been any significant investigation into their potential. Wind is not currently a significant provider of electricity in New Zealand but research and investigations are being .... .... undertaken into its potential. Trees are a potential source of biofuel and there is scope within the District for developing woodlots and plantations for this purpose. Although the District is not in one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions, there is scope for making greater use of the available solar energy.
· The environmental effects of energy production and use.
Explanation Although there are positive effects arising from the development of energy resources, the Resource Management Act 1991 requires that any adverse effects identified be avoided, mitigated or remedied.
The development of energy resources has a number of potential adverse effects that need to be considered. These potential effects will depend on the type and scale of development and the stage of development but in general may include some or all of the following:
- Land disturbance - Modification of natural ecosystems and habitats - Land inundation - Visual impact - Air and water pollution - Noise - Disruption of, and impact on infrastructure and communities - Health and safety risks - Loss of landscape features - Loss of recreational opportunities - Loss of bio-diversity - changes to local climate - loss of built heritage
To recognise that the District contains resources that may be suitable for energy production and that development of such resources is a possibility.
To ensure the adverse impacts of developing any energy source are avoided, mitigated or remedied.
To ensure the efficient use of energy is a consideration in managing the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources. (Refer Policies ENG.1, 2, 3 and 4)
To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of developing resources for the purposes of energy production.
Explanation Energy production developments may have significant adverse effects on the environment, including communities. Discretionary resource consent status will enable all the relevant issues to be considered including effects on settlements and townships within the District.
To promote and encourage the conservation and efficient use of energy.
To manage the development of natural and physical resources to ensure that the inefficient use of energy is avoided.
Explanation In terms of the District Plan, Council can only go so far in providing for energy efficiency. New developments such as roads and supermarkets (which can encourage high vehicle use) can be influenced by the Plan in terms of their impact on energy use. However, the conservation of energy by individuals and organisations can generally only be changed by encouragement and promotion of more sustainable practices. This task should also be the responsibility of the energy industry and Central Government. (Refer Rule ENG.2 and Method ENG.1 )
To promote and encourage investigation into, and the use of, energy sources that have minimal environmental impact.
Explanation There is a great deal of scope for investigation and development into energy sources such as wind, solar, biogas and biofuels. Development of energy production has, to date, concentrated on sources that are more easily accessed. With advances in technology and depletion of these sources, together with a greater awareness of environmental costs often associated with the development of these resources, alternative energy sources are becoming a more attractive development option. (Refer Method ENG.1)
Rule ENG.1 Restricted Discretionary Activities
Any work or activity that modifies any energy facility that was lawfully established prior to this Plan being notified to the extent that the effects of that facility are not the same or similar in character, intensity or scale to those which existed prior to the Plan being notified is a restricted discretionary activity.
Council shall restrict the exercise of its discretion to those matters which cause the effects to be no longer the same or similar in character intensity or scale.
Reason Section 10 of the Act enables land to be used in a manner that contravenes a rule provided it was lawfully established prior to the rule being operative or plan being notified and the effects of the use are the same or similar in character, intensity and scale. This also applies to uses established by way of designation.
However, where any work or activity changes the character, intensity or scale of such effects Council, given that the adverse effects of these facilities can be significant, consider it appropriate to require resource consent as a restricted discretionary activity.
Rule ENG.2 Discretionary Activities
Any activity that involves or is associated with the construction and commissioning of energy facilities, is a discretionary activity.
For the purposes of this rule construction and commissioning activities includes those activities directly involved with the building and operation of a new energy production facility. This includes site preparation, earthworks, quarrying, concrete batching, plant construction, road construction and widening, traffic generation, reservoir formation, clearance or inundation of vegetation, but specifically excludes investigative activities such as geological sampling and surveys.
Activities associated with construction and commissioning” includes rapid and temporary population increases and the associated effects on infrastructure and community facilities; the need to reroute or relocate network utilities and community facilities.
Information Requirements (not part of this rule) An application under this rule, in addition to the information required under Section 3.1.3 of this Plan and Section 88 of the Act, shall also include:
a) a description of any alternative locations or methods which have been considered for the development of such facilities
b) a description of consultation carried out, particularly with Government Departments, relevant Iwi authorities, and people adversely affected by the proposal.
c) a statement specifying all other resource consents that the applicant may require from any consent authority in respect of the activity, and whether or not these have been applied for.
Assessment Criteria (not part of this rule) In considering any such application, Council will consider, amongst other relevant issues the following:
(i) the impact on communities (ii) the impact on infrastructure and services (iii) the impact on ecosystems and habitats (iv) the impact on amenity values, (including visual and noise) (v) health and safety issues (vi) Central Governments policy on greenhouse gas emission (vii) the potential loss of, or irreversible change to, landscape and landforms, and uses associated with them. (viii) whether the use of the energy source has adverse environmental effects on the sustainable use of land and associated natural and physical resources for which Council has responsibility under the Act. (ix) whether the proposed use of land and its associated natural and physical resources for energy production is an efficient use and development of natural and physical resources (x) the benefit to the District (xi) ongoing effects of the development (for example, climatic change, land instability, loss of a particular landscape etc)
(xi) the impact on heritage values (xii) degree to which any adverse effects are proposed to be avoided, remedied or mitigated.
Note: Not all of these issues may be relevant to each type of energy production facility.
Reason Development of energy facilities can have significant adverse effects. Discretionary activity status allows full consideration of all potential problems including ongoing problems that may occur.
Council will encourage and support;
(a) Investigation into renewable, low environmental impact energy sources. (b) Energy conservation and efficiency measures.
Where possible and practicable Council will lend assistance, at the appropriate level, in such matters and where practicable, will facilitate delivery of information to the public.
Information on the efficient use and conservation of energy is available from Council and also the following organisations; Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority PO Box 1800 Christchurch
Energy Management Energy & Resource Division Ministry of Commerce PO Box 2337 Wellington
Reason The production and use of energy (particularly the production and use of fossil (fuel), and its effects (both at a local and global level) is a significant international environmental problem. While Central Governments are mainly responsible for tackling this problem, local authorities must also play their part if sustainable development is to occur.
Council shall monitor how development within the District provides for energy conservation and/or efficiency measures and may, where practicable, assess the information gained against the energy consumption trends of the District where this is available.
3.4.6. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL RESULTS
1. The avoidance, remedy or mitigation of (and/or compensation) through the development of energy resources.
2. More efficient use of energy and improvements in energy conservation.
1. Investigation work carried out prior to or in conjunction with the development of an energy facility will generally be covered by the rules for the specific Resource Area the work will be carried out in. Most of this work will occur in the Rural Resource Area - see Section 4.1.
2. The following Sections of the plan require consideration of energy efficiency factors:
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