MEDIA RELEASE

29 July 2008

Preparation for severe weather predicted for Bay of Plenty

Environment Bay of Plenty staff are on standby for the severe weather predicted for the Bay of Plenty region.

Staff will monitor river levels during and after the predicted storm to instigate flood mitigation measures and deal with any flooding that may occur.
Farmers have already been advised to move stock to higher ground and Environment Bay of Plenty staff are working with other agencies and organisations to initiate flood mitigation measures.

Environment Bay of Plenty Rivers and Drainage Group Manager Ken Tarboton said that as part of the coordination Environment Bay of Plenty staff are speaking to Whakatane District Council to implement precautions at the spit at the Whakatane River mouth to avoid flooding in the township.

“We are also in contact with the managers of the Aniwhenua and Matahina Dams to monitor flow and increase water release, which will assist with managing water in some of our catchments,” Mr Tarboton said.

“We will be pro-actively monitoring our major rivers and have staff on standby to take action if it is required.”

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