Editorial: Harrison's Cut is best solution

Just as the Bay was basking in the euphoria of getting the oil off Rena, the crippled ship has delivered another blow to the people of Papamoa.

There is a plan to have a processing area for recovered containers at Harrison's Cut - a popular carpark and access area for the glorious beach of Papamoa. The facility would process containers which were lost overboard from Rena.

Resource consent paperwork is being put together and while Tauranga City Council says it is not a foregone conclusion, staff are already getting complaints from unhappy residents.

It's hard to blame them.

I can only imagine this facility will be a blight on one of the most beautiful natural landscapes.

I have spent many hours on Papamoa Beach, either running or swimming in the surf and have used Harrison's Cut many times over the years.

But things are different there now.

Perimeter fences are already going up, speed bumps and park dividers are being removed, and sediment control fencing and stormwater drain interceptors are being installed in anticipation of this resource consent being approved.

Officials are also extending and strengthening the boat ramp.

Many of Rena's containers have hazardous materials and rotting foodstuffs and the salvage company, Braemar Howells, will use deodorising units to counter the stench. Run-off or leachate will be controlled by sand bags and recovered with vacuum pumps.

Despite these measures, I am sure there will be people, especially those living nearby, who are worried at what environmental effect this will have on them and their enjoyment of the area.

Locals want the site further east, away from built-up residential areas but the council believes Harrison's Cut is the only suitable location for the operation. Further east would require extensive excavation of the dune system - a move which would raise other environmental concerns.

I sympathise with affected residents, but it seems they will have to put up with this.

I am sure those co-ordinating this complex operation are making the best decisions possible with the view to fixing this horrific mess up.

If it is not practical to build this facility further away from people, then I am unsure what the alternative is. If anyone has another idea, I encourage them to contact the council.

The processing plant won't be pretty but is a far cry from the environmental disaster the region faced a few weeks back. I am still thankful we didn't have another major oil spill.

Let's hope the salvors continue to get these containers off as quickly as possible.

It won't be perfect and locals will have to keep clear of Harrison's Cut - but they should still be able to have a cracking summer at the beach.

$3000 raisedWe've had a fantastic start to the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Appeal 2011 - and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped so far.

We launched our appeal in last Saturday's Bay of Plenty Times Weekend and already the appeal has raised nearly $3000.

This money has come from people, schools and businesses who have recognised just how tough it can be at this time of year for families struggling to put food on the table.

We are planning our first can drive on Tuesday night in Bethlehem, so if you live there we could be knocking on your door and asking if you'd like to donate.

There are other ways you can donate food items, or money, and details are on page A2 today.

The appeal is already building. We have gone to schools and invited them to take part and have already had some signing up.

We can make a difference - and it doesn't take much.

A simple can or donation can make all the difference for those less fortunate.

Thanks for helping Tauranga.