Hampton Downs Waste landfill PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING

The objective: The planning and decision making process undertaken by the HCC was to select and implement a long term waste disposal system. It needed to be capable of handling solid waste that remains after recycling and compost has been removed. The process began in 1999 and has ended with the favoured solution, dumping at the proposed HAMPTON DOWNS landfill site.

What data and other info is needed? The amount of waste How it will be disposed of Costs of options Public opinions (for or against) Legal and consent issues An AEE (assessment of environmental effects)

How is info accessed? From looking at waste management used in other places From specialists like geologists and engineers Surveys and site investigations

People and parties affected How to get their views? Public meetings, letters, hui, planning meetings, submissions and appeals process Who? HCC, Waikato River Maori Trust Board, Locals, Evero Waste Ltd, Waikato Watch…

Legislative constraints Gathering information for an AEE can take a long time RMA requirements Treaty of Waitangi requirements Public thoughts and submissions Appeals process in Environment Court

Consultative process Pre 1999 – The issue was recognised In 1999 – The Minister of Environment gave permission for an environmental assessment to be carried out – Research carried out 2002 – Decision made not to allow dumping because of possible environmental effects

Consultative process cont – The Planning Tribunal gave approval for dumbing over next 20 years 2004 – 11 appeals are filed with the Environment Court to stop the planned dump 2004 – Appeals made were rejected 2005 – first waste for disposal arrives on site at Hampton Downs

Task 3 A Features of Geography that help the process (or can be used in it) P, D&M process involves coming to a decision about a waste disposal site Knowing about the location (an IGI) and accessibility are important. The site is located…. Geographers look at the impacts of developments and processes. Geo’s would consider the environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts for eg…. Geographers understand the people- environment relationships in a holistic way. Eg..

Task 3 B Is Geography important to the P, D&M Process? Why? Does it make a contribution? Why would it be good having a geographer involved? What would their role be and how important is it? What IGI’s are involved in this P, D&M? Geographers use maps, models, systems, processes, options, opinions, facts