Waitaki hydro option

Press, 15 July 1982, Page 6

Waitaki hydro option

The Ministry of Works and Development has come up with a new option for the hydro development of the Lower Waitaki River. In an information bulletin released yesterday, the Ministry suggests that it may be possible to make “a considerable financial saving” by buildingxi power canal above and remote from the river on either the north or the south side.

Earlier reports on the project have suggested that the power potential of the river would best be realised by a series of canals and low dams essentially within the existing riverbed. Public reaction to a discussion paper in 1979 showed a preference for retaining a Tesidual river for recreational use and a general acceptance of the

river bed idea, says the bulletin.

Now, say’s the bulletin, "the improved understanding of the geology of the valley" and a comprehensive review .of work so far suggested the new separate canal idea. The idea includes the possibility of canal construction on the river flats upstream of the Awakoko Stream. Downstream the power canal would return to the existing riverbed.

“The costs and benefits of such a scheme must be examined carefully and in detail and the additional survey mapping, and general investigation necessary for such studies are in progress," the bulletin says. "General investigations have now reached a stage where extensive and detailed studies of the many aspects

of both engineering and environmental considerations relating to the development of the Lower Waitaki Valley must be undertaken.”

Many matters outside engineering investigations are also being studied, including plant and animal studies, agricultural studies, social studies, the physical impact, and environmental enhancement.

All the work is directed towards the dates set in the energy plan of 1981, that is a target approval date of April, 1986, and the first machine commissioned in April, 1992, the bulletin says. The bulletin has been prepared as one means of meeting the need the Ministry says it recognises for continuing consultation and liaison with local residents and local and regional bodies.