Prosecution Results In Funds For Stream Restoration
A $10,000 payment towards stream rehabilitation in the Pauatahanui inlet area following the conviction of an earthworks
contractor for unauthorised sediment discharge is a positive outcome to the incident, says Greater Wellington.
Goodman Contractors Ltd pleaded guilty to unauthorised sediment discharge from the Silverwood subdivision site in the
Pauatahanui stream catchment. The discharge, which occurred earlier this year, resulted in very high sediment levels in
an adjoining stream.
Greater Wellington environmental regulation team leader Natasha Tod welcomed Goodman’s guilty plea and its willingness
to put things right.
“Goodman’s has expressed real remorse for the incident and been very cooperative with us throughout the enforcement
process.
The company has also put in place a number of internal procedures to minimise the risk of further discharges.
“It is the first conviction for the contracting company which has otherwise been known to set high standards for
environmental management of earthworks sites.”
Ms Tod said Greater Wellington would put the $10,000 towards restoration work, such as stream side planting, at an
appropriate local area. The council hoped to work with a local community care group to carry out the planting.
Greater Wellington environmental regulation manager Al Cross said the Goodman case was another in a series of successful
prosecutions and enforcement actions carried out by Greater Wellington.
“We are keen to send a clear message that we have little tolerance for significant breaches and will take any necessary
action to protect the environment.
“The success of the recent actions before the Environment Court in our view shows that the Court will hold a firm line
where significant breaches occur,” Mr Cross said.
ENDS