GRANT HELPS PROTECT WATERWAYS A welcome $20,000 was budgeted by Franklin Local Board in September 2021 for the Healthy Waters’ Industrial Pollution Prevention Programme, aimed at helping Pukekohe businesses reduce industrial pollution risk.
PAPAKURA STREAM –
cleanup efforts up and running
W
here there’s water, there is a way to protect it, organisers of the Papakura Stream Restoration Project expect. “We aim to, not only make a difference to stream health, but also mobilise and educate as many people as possible on the importance of getting involved in the protection of our waterways,” Siobhan O’Grady, from Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ), says. “The [project] is a multi-stakeholder programme that encourages local boards, landowners, corporates and the community to work together on a common goal.” Running from Brookby to the Manukau Harbour, via the Pahurehure inlet, the 63km Papakura Stream winds through rural and urban areas as it crosses southern Auckland. Restoration efforts include installing fencing, planting native trees and shrubs, weed control and litter cleanup. 42 — Design and Build Franklin — 2021-2022
Children from the region’s schools are already involved, learning about local wildlife in the process. The initiative follows a survey, produced with the assistance of local government. Confectionery company, Mondelez NZ, is also pitching in. “This is an incredibly important project as it combines both conservation efforts as well as consumer awareness around recycled materials and underscores our commitment to protecting the environment,” Cara Liebrock from Mondelez NZ says. “We want to illustrate the importance of collecting and recycling soft plastics and divert them from landfill. It’s a great step forward in achieving New Zealand’s goal of transitioning towards a circular economy.” Underway since May 2021, the project is taking many hands to make light work; those keen to assist will find further information at www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz.
Board chair, Andy Baker said that if the funding prevented one significant incident it would have paid for itself. “We must protect our environment. Industry can play a part by adopting practices around things such as safely storing products we don’t want accidentally spilling into our waterways,” Mr Baker said. “Attention has been aimed at rural waterways, but there are also issues in town. Following the farming example, urban people can make changes and play their part too.” The Healthy Waters’ initiative aims to educate businesses on ways to prevent stormwater pollution, making practical recommendations about the impact company activities can have on local waterways, Mr Baker added. “Businesses don’t set out to pollute, but accidents happen. The programme includes site inspections and discussions about potential issues and water pollution risks, so that businesses know how to respond if something goes wrong.” When changes are recommended, businesses receive a report and follow-up visit. Common recommendations include properly containing environmentally hazardous substances and ensuring there are response plans which include staff access to spill equipment. The programme also shows businesses how their sites connect to the stormwater network and local waterways. Franklin first funded the programme in 2020, starting in southern Pukekohe where about 80 companies were visited and more than 20 received reports, with two actual pollution cases identified. Practices were changed to prevent further incidents. Mr Baker added that eco-friendly car washing products also indicated ‘greenwashing’ was a growing problem. “Stormwater drains are only for rain, not biodegradable detergents, no matter how ‘green’ they are,” he concluded.
