How is compliance measured?

When a resource consent or permitted activity is monitored, it is graded according to its level of compliance. Activities can:

· Be fully compliant – within the rules or resource consent limits;

· Have minor non-compliance – where there is a breach of a rule or resource consent condition, but there are no significant adverse environmental effects (effects may be minor or none at all); or

· Be significantly non-compliant – they are having, or have the potential to have, a major or significant effect on the environment.

In cases of significant non-compliance, the council can take enforcement action to stop unlawful activities, or fine or prosecute a serious offender, and restore the affected area. Prosecution is generally a last resort.

Change in water colour from upstream to downstream of a discharge.