Council has reviewed the 2007 Dangerous Dams Policy and proposes changes to bring it in line with current statutory and regulatory requirements.

What the proposed policy applies to

Most provisions in the draft policy only apply to classifiable dams - those over 4 metres high and 20,000m3 volume.
However, the provisions relating to measures to avoid immediate danger apply to all dams. The policy is separate from emergency response management, resource and building consents for dams, and the dam classification and safety assurance programme requirements of the Act.

There are very few dams in Te Tairāwhiti region. Under the Act, primary responsibility for dam safety sits with dam owners, who must inform Council immediately if they believe a dam may be dangerous. Council's not required to routinely conduct dam safety checks, so the draft policy is only relevant where a dam has been identified by its owner (or an engineer engaged by them) or complaints are received suggesting that a dam may be dangerous, earthquake-prone or flood-prone. No notices have been issued under the current policy.

Have your say

For more information on what Council is proposing and the reasons for the options considered, please read the Statement of Proposal.

To make a submission

Please complete the submission form below and return it to Council, submissions close 5pm Monday 2 December.