Solid Energy New
Zealand is developing an extension of its
Rotowaro open cast coal mine near Huntly. This large 8 year, 11 million tonne
opencast coal mine, referred to as the Awaroa Project, is fundamental to Solid
Energy's medium term business strategy and meets its open pit coal resource
needs while further resources are developed for the long term. Equally
importantly the project is also fundamental to meeting New Zealand's
energy requirements in the face of growing demands, a dwindling gas resource,
and dry winters creating hydropower shortages. This project with its national
significance in the current energy climate, its significance to Solid Energy as
a business and its significant size has been consented against a backdrop of
criticism of the Resource Management Act and the introduction of the 2003
amendment to the Act. As is common practice for this type of project Solid
Energy conducted a significant technical programme in order to complete a
comprehensive assessment of environmental effects. Solid Energy also has an
active programme of community and interested party consultation and this
programme formed the basis for project based consultation with local residents,
regulatory bodies and iwi. As a result of the approach taken the environmental
effects of the project were shown to be no more than minor and Environment
Waikato considered that the project should be processed under the limited
notification provisions of the RMA amendment. The project was processed under
RMA quickly and efficiently and consents were granted within 6 months of
lodgement. The RMA and its 2003 amendment provided a good framework for dealing
with this project and did not impede the process of development of this
important energy resource.