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Managing our Environment

South Otago flood response,
February 2020

   

Effluent management

We understand management of effluent in times of flood can be challenging. If you have any concerns please get in touch with pollution@orc.govt.nz or your industry body.

   

Clearing drains

During times of heavy rain it's likely that drains may be full of silt and debris from flood waters. In a situation like the February 2020 flood event, it is permitted to clean out your drains of silts and debris but care must be taken to limit any environmental impact:

  • Take care not to deepen or widen drains. 
  • When clearing a drain ensure you consider measures to stop any sediment from entering a river or waterway: 
    • When undertaking drain cleaning work, you should start from the top of the drain and work your way back towards the river. This will allow for sediments to settle before completing your final clearance work nearer the river.
    • You may also need to put in some sediment mitigation in the drain, for example, a hay bale at the bottom of the drain to capture silts and debris that may get mobilised from your work. 

If you have any questions about what you can do to clean out drains, please call our Pollution Hotline on 0800 800 033.

   

Where to go for support and more information:

   

Water levels and flow

Clutha River at Balclutha

River flow information. Read more

Paretai pump

Water level information. Read more

Inchclutha pump at Rutherfords

Water level information. Read more

Pomahaka at Burkes Ford

River flow information. Read more

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