'This is the wrong scheme on the wrong river'

Save the Wairau witness Robin Blackmore spoke of the power of the Wairau River at yesterday's Environment Court hearing to consider whether TrustPower should be granted resource consent to build a hydroelectric power scheme on the river.

"The power of the river is an important component of its natural character which commands respect," said Mr Blackmore, a retired Department of Conservation area manager. He said the power scheme "will seriously impact on my favourite activity of trout fishing by reducing flows and food supply and seasonally increasing water temperature".

TrustPower had offered no mitigation for anglers, he said.

A predicted twofold increase in periphyton predicted by TrustPower witness Brian Coffey was of concern.

Questioning by Environment Court commissioner Alex Sutherland highlighted that it was not clear whether the area of water covered by waterweed, the number of occurrences or volumes would double.

Mr Blackmore reflected on the isolation enjoyed by people fishing, swimming, walking, bird watching and hunting on the affected stretch. These activities, along with jetboating, kayaking and rafting, would be affected adversely, he said.

Flushing of sediment into the river up to 20 times per year "gives me great cause for concern", said Mr Blackmore.

"I believe there will be severe effects on trout behaviour, food supply and an unacceptable increase in water turbidity." Flushing during the trout and salmon spawning season was especially unacceptable.

Use of chemicals to deal with the invasive waterweed didymo in canals could impact on the fishery and irrigation, he said.

"This is the wrong scheme on the wrong river," he said.