Soil and water councils to visit trouble-spots

Press, 2 September 1977, Page 2

Soil and water councils to visit trouble-spots

The Minister of Works, and Development (Mr Young) will join members of water and soil councils in a four-day tour next week of problem areas and projects in the North and South Canterbury catchment districts. Of special interest to the I Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council and the i Water Resources Council will be the effect of the i North Canterbury Catchment < Board’s attempt to improve I flooding erosion, and drain- i age by controlling Port |

.Hills’ subdivisions: the results of water-quality tests on the lower Waimakariri — part of a move by the board to improve treatment of wastes discharged into the river — and the growth of “troublesome” sea lettuce in the Estuary because of effluent discharge. The soil council will look at areas of conflict between its policy of retiring highcountry land to prevent soil erosion by removing domestic stock and wild animals, and the interests of tourist promoters wanting to bring

in safari hunting, and exporters wanting to farm noxious animals for meat. On September 8, the council members will see wind erosion-control plantings and engineering works in the South Ashburton River area. On September 9, they will inspect drainage and coastal erosion problems at Seadown.

The councils are responsbile to the National Water and Soil Conservation Authority, and make six visits a year to catchment districts.