Cypress/Happy Valley News No. 2
The consent for a Cypress Mine will be appealed by Forest & Bird, Ngakawau Riverwatch, DOC and Tai Poutini Conservation Board. Buller Conservation Group will take part as an "interested party".
Also appealing is Solid Energy itself. According to the Westport News the SOE wants a lesser bond than the present minimum of $5 million. It’s also appealing conditons for stormwater discharge during the mine’s development. It is seeking a "separate consent for the diversion and discharge of stormwater from St Pats Dam to St Pats Stream during the mine’s construction period", says The News. At this stage I’m not sure exactly what this means, but a shrewd guess is they want to pollute more than they are currently allowed.
Forest & Bird is appealing over a broad range of issues and opposes the mine.
According to the News, DOC wants improved protection for kiwi and snails while rehabilitation and water management are "issues of particular concern". DOC says it will oppose mining if the improvements to conditions are not granted.
Ngakawau Riverwatch wants much tighter controls on water, both surface and groundwater. Rather than one main monitoring site it wants enough sites so no pollution can go unrecorded. It wants continuous monitoring of metals as well as pH and turbidity. Domestic springs at Granity must be tested on a regular basis, as must shellfish in coastal waters. There must be more public involvement in reviews.
Any NGO or individual who has submitted can join the appeal as an "interested party" but can only speak on the issues they've already raised. You will hopefully get a form in the mail when you receive copies of the various Notices of Appeal.
To the best of my knowledge an interested party cannot be sued for costs. (I’m checking this at present).
