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    The environmental impacts of stormwater in relation to carparking areas : an assessment of the impacts of stormwater on carparking areas and the structural and legal controls : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Masters of Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2003) Low, Adrian Roland Timothy
    The aim of this thesis is to define and expand on what the environmental impacts of stormwater in relation to parking areas are. Also to describe how these impacts are controlled structurally and legally and who is able to compensate for their impacts. The results of the case studies in this thesis supported the findings of the literature reviewed. There is a better way to design and manage the construction of carparking areas (either impervious or semi-pervious surfaces) in the future urban development environment. The (long-term ideal) goal is to reduce the environmental impacts from the construction of impervious areas. These adverse impacts are: • contaminants entering waterways, where they adversely impact aquatic life, and • flooding from increased runoff rates that causes scouring of stream beds and impact residential and commercial property These case studies have shown that current practice can and should be modified to have a lower impact on the environment. There is also the possibility of retrofitting existing carparks to mitigate the present effects. The findings, in seeking to mitigate the adverse effects of carparks on the environment can be broken down into five key areas: • Any constructed surface or development, whether it be for carparking purposes or roofing should, wherever practicable, have built into its design a treatment and detention facility to mitigate the effects of stormwater on the environment. • The impacts of any particular project should be looked at in terms of their cumulative long-term impacts. iii • Rates relief should be an option for those prepared to upgrade their site to mitigate effects on catchments. • District plans should provide performance standards with incentives to reduce off-site impacts of stormwater. • Local authorities should target catchment assessment and design to protect the environment and meet the regional bodies requirements .
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    Down with the drain : looking after our urban runoff and waterways in the era of sustainable management : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1997) Barrell, Hamish Nigel
    Recent reforms of environmental and local government legislation have radically changed the nature of environmental management in New Zealand. There is a new mandate for the "sustainable management" of natural and physical resources. This thesis examines how environmental considerations are currently being incorporated into the management of urban runoff and waterways in New Zealand. Three case studies of urban councils were conducted. Two main data collection methods were employed. Interviews were conducted with the relevant council staff and this information was supplemented by an analysis of regional policy statements, regional plans and district plans that employed a method of plan coding. This sought to establish what policies and programmes the councils were involved in, whether this was different from the late 1980s, and the extent to which they were carrying out various types of innovative solutions to environmental problems. The research findings suggest that councils vary considerably in their approach to urban runoff and waterways. It showed that urban streams in New Zealand have suffered levels of degradation including pollution and channel modification that are consistent with many urban areas overseas. Recently, elements of a new philosophy have been applied to their management, which has coincided with the introduction of the Resource Management Act (RMA). Following overseas trends, there has been a recognition by managers of our waterways and stormwater systems that former practices in managing urban runoff have neglected environmental issues and natural resource conservation. This research suggests that stormwater management practices are taking on board the considerations of water quality, quantity and biodiversity to a greater extent than that which happened in the past. The extent to which this is happening in any particular area depends on the scale of the issues, the sensitivity and utility of affected resources, and the level of commitment by both community and council to changing traditional practices.
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    The impact of stormwater discharges on freshwater, marine water and marine sediments and the implications for environmental management of the Pauatahanui Inlet, Porirua, New Zealand: A thesis prepared in partial fulfilment of Masters of Applied Science (Natural Resource Management), Massey University.
    (Massey University, 2002) Hooper, Kathryn L
    A survey of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr levels in sediment cores taken at four locations in the Pauatahanui Inlet has been undertaken in conjunction with a freshwater and marine water quality survey. Levels of heavy metals in sediment were within the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality for the protection of Aquatic Ecosystems, [Interim Sediment Quality Guideline (ISQG) (high level of protection)]. Sediments in the vicinity of discharges from suburban catchments showed higher levels of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr than those in the vicinity of rural catchments. Levels of Cu, Pb and Zn in streams in the suburban catchments exceeded guideline levels for 99% species protection on occasions, and guidelines for Cu, Pb and Cd were exceeded in marine water. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals in marine and freshwater coincided with rainfall events and increased suspended sediment levels, indicating stormwater discharges as a contributing source of the contaminants. Levels of N and P exceeded guideline trigger values in freshwater tributaries on occasions. There was no distinct difference between the rural and suburban catchments in terms of nutrient levels detected. Levels of bacteria present (E-Coli and Enterococci) exceeded NZ guideline levels for contact recreation purposes after rainfall events. Heavy metals in stormwater were attributed to transport sources. Control of these discharges will likely be ‘end of pipe’ in nature due to the diffuse nature of the heavy metal inputs, and the difficulties in controlling emissions from vehicles at source.
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