Environmental

A number of preliminary studies on potential noise, ecological and visual effects were undertaken to assists with the selection of preferred options for the Dowse to Petone Upgrade.

Further details of the studies undertaken can be viewed in the reports entitled "Report on Environmental Issues" and "Option Evaluation Report" prepared for the consultation process.

An "Assessment of Effects on the Environment" (AEE) was prepared and lodged with the application for the Notice of Requirement and resource consents with local consent authorities in March 2001. The AEE was based on the preliminary reports referred to above.

The AEE highlighted that within the project area for the proposed Korokoro overbridge and Dowse interchange there are no significant vegetation or aquatic habitats. However the report also stated that the off ramps from SH2 to the new Dowse interchange would affect part of Percy Scenic Reserve, which contains a garden of rare and endangered plants. A mitigation package for the works has been prepared in consultation with affected parties.

Results of noise impact analysis for road and construction noise showed that any increase in noise levels were not expected to be significant and overall road traffic noise was unlikely to exceed Transit's national guidelines. The area at the western end of Hume Street will have post construction monitoring to confirm compliance.

Visual effects of the project are expected to be moderate due to the scale of the landscape and largely built up urban area environment. It is likely most of the effects will be addressed through appropriate landscaping.

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Approvals under the Resource Management Act

The Notice of Requirement (NoR) and resource consents for the SH2 Dowse to Petone Upgrade works were lodged with the Hutt City Council (HCC) and Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) in 2001. The applications were publicly notified and a public hearing was held in October 2001 before a group of independent Commissioners.

The Hearing Commissioners recommended that the Notice of Requirement be confirmed and resource consents for the project granted subject to various conditions.

Transit accepted the Commissioners recommendation on the NoR, but rejected two of the conditions. A number of appeals were lodged against Transit's decision and the resource consents. These appeals have now been resolved by Transit without needing a hearing before the Environment Court.

Transit has obtained the following consents for the project:

  • Notice of Requirement (Designation)
  • Resource consents from HCC for the construction of the Dowse Interchange and Korokoro overbridge;
  • Resource consents from GWRC for land use consents (culverts) and discharge permits associated with the works (eleven consents);
  • Resource consent for the small bridge over the Korokoro Stream.