Keep covered and carry on - looking after flood defences this winter

Winter has arrived in the Bay of Plenty, and with it, plenty of wet weather. That’s why Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional is reminding landowners living near the region’s flood defences to refresh themselves of the rules.

The Regional Council manages and maintains nearly $440m worth of flood protection defences, including stopbanks, floodwalls, floodgates and pump stations, across five major river and drainage schemes that serve more than 54,500 targeted ratepayers.

Rivers and Drainage Asset Manager Kirsty Brown says the Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws provide protection from damage and misuse of infrastructure assets that significantly reduce the risk of flooding to communities across the region.

There are two common issues her team sees: stock overgrazing or pugging on stopbanks, and unwanted materials being left or stored on stopbanks or in drains.

“While light grazing of sheep and cows is allowed on stopbanks, when a stopbank becomes wet stock can churn up the ground, damaging grass cover and causing risk to soil structure.

“Good grass cover is essential to soil strength underpinning a stopbank and without it, a stopbank could potentially fail.”

Unwanted, stored or leftover materials that are in or near floodplains, rivers or drains can also cause damage to flood defences.

While it may seem harmless, Ms Brown says these materials can move during heavy rain blocking drains, pump stations and flood gates.

“If these assets are unable to work properly during these weather events, it can have devasting impacts on neighbouring properties and the wider community. Under the Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws, these are not permitted, and landowners can be liable for any damage to the flood defences.”

Ms Brown says the Regional Council’s Rivers and Drainage team routinely monitors the condition of flood defences, but also welcomes contact from members of the public who may suspect a problem.

“Our 24/7 Pollution Hotline (0800 884 883) is the best way to report any areas of concern.”

Find out more about flood protection in the region, including details of the Bylaws, on the Regional Council website at www.boprc.govt.nz/flood-defences

Pugging on the crest of a stopbank after overgrazing by cattle.