Go ahead to convert Marsden B to coal

Mighty River Power has been given the go ahead to convert the mothballed Marsden B power station to run on coal.

But former High Court Judge Peter Salmon, QC, chairman of the four member panel of commissioners who heard the application, said conditions would be among the most stringent ever imposed on a coal-fired power station in Australasia.

The 35-year consent for the station at Ruakaka, east of Whangarei, has almost 160 conditions, including dozens covering discharges to air, water and land.

A 20-day hearing into Mighty River's application was held between June and August by a panel made up of Mr Salmon, Auckland-based water and landfill expert Garry Venus, Australian air quality expert Dr Mark Goldstone and Auckland planner David Hill.

Today Mr Salmon said the commissioners were "particularly aware" of the high value the public placed on the wider Bream Bay environment and the air quality issues submitters had raised.

The power station site was on land with an industrial zoning under the Whangarei District Plan, which allowed heavy industrial activities, including a power station, a statement from the Northland Regional Council quoted the commissioners saying.

"Ultimately, we have concluded that when all factors are considered -- and subject to the stringent consent conditions imposed -- the effects of this proposal will be within acceptable limits."

The commissioners' decision is now subject to a 15 working day appeal period.

- NZPA