4 August 2008

Staff working to keep flood pumps operating

Environment Waikato staff are monitoring a stop bank at Mangatawhiri this morning, in anticipation of floodwaters spilling onto about 40 hectares of farmland.

The farmer is aware of the situation and has moved stock from the area.

Meanwhile, staff working to maintain stop banks and flood pumps have switched to using quad bikes instead of utility vehicles in a bid to minimise damage to sodden pasture.

They have been working on around-the-clock standby to keep flood pumps going.

Environment Waikato's emergency response team remains on heightened alert as heavy rain continues to fall on Lake Taupo and river catchments.

Lake Taupo is still below its maximum operating level and Environment Waikato staff have been liaising with Mighty River Power to manage Waikato River flows as much as possible while rain has continued to fall in the region.

"We are doing our best to ensure extra flows from a nearly full Lake Taupo and hydro schemes in the upper Waikato River don't create additional problems further downstream," Environment Waikato emergency management officer Adam Munro said.

"Water is still being contained within Environment Waikato's stop banks along the Waipa and Waikato Rivers, but the rivers are still rising and we're asking people to be aware they may well remain high throughout the week."

There are more showers forecast for the region this week, but, according to the MetService, they are not expected to be heavy until Friday. Environment Waikato is hoping this will provide some respite for river systems and saturated catchments.

PLEASE NOTE: You have received this email because at one time or another you have indicated you wish to receive media releases by email. If you no longer wish to receive these emails please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. For further information, contact: Steph Bell-Jenkins Communications Environment Waikato (07) 859 0524

What is Environment Waikato? Environment Waikato is the regional council for the Waikato region.

The council's area extends from the Bombay Hills in the north to Mt Ruapehu in the south, and from the mouth of the Waikato River to Mokau on the west coast, across to the Coromandel Peninsula on the east.

The region contains nationally important electricity generation facilities and an internationally significant dairy sector. It is also home to iconic natural features which are key tourist attractions.

Environment Waikato's responsibilities include:

* sustainable management of natural and physical resources, including pest control.

* planning regional growth and transport, and providing bus services.

* civil defence, emergency response, navigation safety, dam safety, flood management, erosion control and road safety.

ENDS

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