Environmental Innovator
Sponsored by Invercargill Licensing Trust
Winner - Knobs Flat.
Harnessing hydro power.
If you've ever driven to Milford Sound, you'll understand why having diesel generators clunking away to produce power was always out of place with the beauty and tranquillity of Knobs Flat. By replacing three diesel generators with a hydro-electric power scheme, the Milford Development Authority has done a great service to both the community and the environment, which was recognised with the Environmental Innovator Award.
Their own staff got stuck in to build the weir, and the clean, renewable electricity now has ample power for the visitor facilities and toilets, the tourist accommodation and DOC's staff accommodation with negligible greenhouse gases and hardly any noise.
Highly Commended - Clean, Green Effluent Company.
Just as Southland's economy is feeling the impact of dairy farming, so is our environment and Lindsay Lewis has made it his business to try and reduce the effect that farm dairy effluent has on our water and land. His Clean, Green Effluent Company was highly commended for its treatment system, which removes more solids and allows most of the liquid to be re-used as greenwash.
Lindsay has also invented a non-return valve for the k-line pods that prevents siphoning at the end of each cycle. His system allows effluent to be irrigated at very low application rates and on rolling country.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.