Multiple slips and erosion in the upper reaches of catchments across the Bay of Plenty are washing sediment into local rivers and estuaries and causing them to discolour.
At sites measured by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, there has been an average of 200 per cent of normal rainfall over the past three months (January, February, March 2023) – this means that catchments are receiving around twice as much rain as usual.
Regional Council compliance team leader Trudy Richards says after rain events, the council’s pollution hotline often receives reports of sedimentation or discolouration of streams, rivers and estuaries.
“Our team investigates reported incidents to locate the source of the sediment, assess the environmental impact and whether there is any non-compliance,” Richards says.
“Since early January, we have been receiving reports of the Omanawa River running dirty. Our investigation shows a significant landslip that is still discharging sediment into the river. The landslip system has been eroding long-term. However, previous remedial work undertaken has worked well up until this point.”