Precautionary advice for residents of Snowden Crescent, Dawkins Place and part of Dillons Point Road (numbers 8 to 42)
Also, localised flooding risk at Hale/Redwood streets intersection and Stephenson/Taylor Crescent intersection
The weather forecast indicates that river levels in the Taylor River/Lower Opawa will rise again overnight tonight.
“Based on the current forecast, there is a possible risk that a small section of stop bank may become unstable and allow
water into Snowdens Crescent, Dawkins Place and part of Dillons Point road,” says Geoff Dick, Marlborough District
Council Rivers Engineer.
All up, about 40 properties are involved. See map attached.
“This section of stop bank was damaged by the earthquake and although the flood risk is not serious, we might see some
water get into nearby properties.”
“I want to reassure local residents that our engineers and contractors will be on hand through the night monitoring and
are ready for an emergency response if required. This could include emergency works at the stop bank.”
“If we think there is risk of a breach, emergency response teams will notify residents directly by door knocking and
using sirens.”
The worst of the weather is expected to arrive from about 9pm until midnight tonight.
Staff will door knock and leaflet those 40 properties’ residents this afternoon and explain the situation.
Several river stop banks in Marlborough were damaged by the Kaikoura earthquake. Stop banks at Spring Creek, the Lower
Diversion and Grovetown were affected. Over the summer, Council engineers fixed the key damage to stop banks in Spring
Creek and at the Grovetown Lagoon, and are working to finish the rest of the work as soon as possible. This short
section of earthquake-weakened stop bank on the Lower Opawa is left to repair.
Localised stormwater ponding
The area near the Hale and Redwood Streets intersection and the Stephenson and Taylor Crescent intersection may
experience surface water ponding due to heavy rainfall combined with high Taylor River levels. This occurs as the river
rises and flood gates close on the stormwater discharge pipes. Pumps will pump some water away but this will not meet
the full flow generated from significant rainfall. If residents consider water will enter buildings nearby be prepared
to lift appliances and stored items up off low garage floors and they should advise Council.
The Blenheim sewer system became overloaded yesterday during the rainfall. This occurs due to surface and ground water
getting into the sewer network. When the sewer system is overwhelmed with stormwater there could be sewer overflows.
Residents may also note their toilets “gurgling” and slow to empty. At these times toilet flushing should be kept to a
minimum. The toilet will not overflow if its flushed only once and not flushed again, until the level in the bowl has
returned to normal. Remember the saying “If it’s yellow, let it mellow if it’s brown flush it down.”
If residents see any sewer overflows they should advise Council so a clean-up can be undertaken once the rain event has
passed.
People can monitor the council’s Floodwatch website here:
ENDS.