River and Drainage Management
Environment Southland helps communities reduce the risk of flooding and erosion to their properties by carrying out river and drainage works within river catchment rating districts.
Our land drainage and river catchment programmes focus on providing physical works, services and advice and assistance to landowners. We aim to:
- reduce the risk of flooding and soil erosion
- reduce the amount of sediment entering waterways
- improve water quality
- improve river stability
- improve river environments, for example creating a better habitat for a wide variety of animals and plants.
Working closely with communities and catchment liaison committees means that issues of concern are identified, sustainable solutions agreed and actioned.
Environment Southland's River Engineering staff currently maintain an extensive range of river management, erosion control, flood control and land drainage works in seven major river catchments and ten special land drainage districts.
For many of the smaller streams, this may simply involve maintaining a clear channel, and managing vegetation along the river banks. For larger rivers, works also may involve constructing and maintaining flood banks, river training structures, flood gutters, bed load management and gravel extraction. The annual programme of works is determined by River Engineering staff in conjunction with river rating district liaison committees. These committees assist Council in representing the needs of the people within each rating district. People within each rating district pay for the work through a targeted rate, and the remaining amount is funded from the general rate to reflect the wider benefits to the community at large.
River Engineering
The primary responsibility of the River Engineering section is to minimise and prevent damage by floods and erosion across the region.
Staff in this division manage river and land drainage rating districts where communities have joined with Environment Southland to co-fund river control and land drainage objectives agreed with representatives of each rating district. The work is carried out by Council-approved local contractors.
Other roles for the division are to deliver Council’s regional gravel management function and provide an advisory service to the public.
Maintaining our Drains
Community involvement in improving the health of Southlands waterways.
Environment Southland is responsible for the maintenance of particular drains within its Drainage Rating Districts. The cost of this work is met by a targeted rate on properties in each district.
If you are unsure who is responsible for a particular drain, please contact Environment Southland.
Access
Environment Southland needs access beside the drains it maintains. This includes gates in boundary and internal fences, ensuring fences are an appropriate distance from the drain; and that trees and other vegetation do not impede access or the ability of people or machinery to enter the drain.
Landowners may not plant trees or erect structures within the bed of a water course without resource consent from Environment Southland. This preserves access for drain maintenance.
Environment Southland staff make contact with property owners prior to entering property for inspections or carrying out works.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.