The second edition builds directly on the original guide launched in 2023, following the strengthening of residential earthworks rules in the Regional Plan: Water for Otago. 

The updated guide incorporates new sections focused on working in waterways and managing on-site dewatering water, alongside a brand-new chapter dedicated to Otago's unique set of conditions, says ORC’s co-lead in the Environmental Delivery portfolio, Councillor Andrew Noone.

“We’ve had really great uptake of the first edition of the guide, and this updated version will be just as useful” he says.

ORC has developed the guide to provide context to ORC’s residential earthworks provisions, consenting information and on-going consent compliance requirements.  It includes content required for Environmental Management Plans and Erosion and Sediment Control Plans, which are required for most of the consents granted by the ORC.

The guide was developed in-house by ORC, with input from technical experts and engagement with district councils across the region. “We really want the guide to be Otago specific and using local knowledge really helps with this,” says Cr Noone.

“Earthworks activities, if not managed properly, can lead to fine soil entering waterways, which can be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Because our local fine soils can be difficult to capture once they are suspended in water, the new edition places emphasis on preventing erosion from happening in the first place,” says ORC Compliance Manager Simon Wilson.

Our region presents a unique set of constraints. Standard industry guidelines that work in other parts of the country may not work in Otago due to our steep topography, climate variability, and highly erodible soils like loess and glacial till. It’s important to follow erosion and sediment control best practice guidance to minimise the adverse effects of erosion and sediment throughout your project,” Mr Wilson says. 

The guide introduces a new 5-point High-Risk Checklist covering soils, topography, climate, scale, and receiving environments. The checklist is designed as a practical screening tool to help practitioners, contractors, and consent holders identify environmental risks early in the planning phase and determine when a site requires specialised, high-vigilance design.

It includes content required for Environmental Management Plans and Erosion and Sediment Control Plans, which are required for most of the consents granted by the ORC.

To support the rollout, Mr Wilson notes that ORC will be holding a series of drop-in sessions across the region, with dates to be confirmed soon. These sessions will give developers, contractors, and their teams a chance to sit down with ORC staff and familiarise themselves with the updated guide and the new checklist.

Further assistance on consent processing is available at public.enquiries@orc.govt.nz or call  0800 474 082.