| Weston - Steps in the resource consent process |
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The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is the main law protecting the environment, and controls the use of air, land and water in New Zealand. It is designed to ensure that activities
will not harm people or communities, or threaten the air, water, soil and ecosystems that we and future generations need to live.
The RMA process requires local councils to ensure effects on the environment are managed sustainably. The lodging and notification of resource consents marks the beginning of the formal RMA process. This time provides the public with the opportunity to make submissions on the project, and to have their submissions heard by the regulatory authorities. Once the opening of the period for making submissions was advertised (20/21 April 2007) interested parties had 40 working days to prepare and lodge submissions either expressing their wish to support the project and see it go ahead, or indicate any matter requiring review. Submissions closed at 5pm on Tuesday 19 June 2007. A hearing started on 20 August 2007. This was a joint hearing involving both the councils (Otago Regional Council and Waitaki District Council). Three independent commissioners were appointed to the panel hearing the resource consent applications. They are:
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A final decision was received in February 2008 granting all consents sought, with a range of conditions relating to construction and operation of the plant and associated sites. The RMA also allows submitters to appeal Council decisions to the Environment Court. Holcim is appealing some of the conditions. A final decision regarding the cement supply options being considered by Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd will be made by its parent company, Holcim Ltd. The outcome of the Holcim Ltd Board decision will depend on factors such as how Holcim New Zealand options compare with other investment opportunities, timing factors around availability of capital, satisfaction with the information supplied by Holcim New Zealand, and New Zealand government policy. |
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Further RMA Information The Ministry for the Environment provides significant resources to help community members understand and participate in the RMA process. There are a number of free printed guides that can be ordered from the Ministry for the Environment:
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