We the undersigned as residents and as community representatives would like the below recommendations added to the annual Marlborough District Plan. These are the councils own recommendations and NIWA supports council to develop its own rules for protection of the Sounds

Recommendations for sediment mitigation;

• Replanting setbacks from the shoreline: 200 m.
• Replanting setback for permanently flowing streams directly coupled to the sea:5 m for streams less than 3m in width; and 10 m for steams equal to, or greater than, 3m in width.
• Replanting controls on steep slopes: A mandatory Replanting Management Plan identifying areas at high risk of erosion which require retirement and implementation of buffers, such as gully heads and steep ephemeral gullies. A similar Plan would be required for afforestation.
• Replanting requirements to reduce the window of vulnerability:
  • Replanting of areas harvested within 12 months of harvest.
  • Replanting in excess of 1000 stems/hectare.
• Harvest controls: Remove all woody material >100 mm diameter and > 3metres in length from gullies (>5000m2 or 0.5 hectare) as soon as practicable, but no later than 1 month, after harvest.
• Earthworks requirements:
  • All road design, construction, and maintenance to be certified by a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPENZ) for land stability, and effective erosion and water control.
  • All areas of loose fill (soil) to have a grass cover established within 12 months of being created unless covered by natural revegetation.