Councillors will consider a report on Wednesday about applying for resource consent and Department of Conservation authorisation to divert water from Balmacaan Stream to Lake Camp.

The report makes no recommendation and presents two options for decision - Council applies or doesn’t apply.

Councillors asked for the report to help them understand the costs and implications of applying for resource consent and DOC approvals to divert the water.

Representatives of the Lake Clearwater Hutholders Association came to them in July with concerns about the low water levels at Lake Camp. They suggested renewing a previous diversion held by Fish and Game, but surrendered in November 2020.

Environment Canterbury and the Department of Conservation say nature is taking its course, and low water levels were the result of an extremely dry period, with no rain.

The officer’s report that Councillors will consider on Wednesday says Council would need to obtain consent and concessions from Environment Canterbury, DOC and under its own District Plan.

Pre-application and lodgement costs would be about $266,000, plus the cost of hearings, another $216,000. If consent was granted, infrastructure and ongoing monitoring and compliance costs would be another $200,000.

The report says other costs would be incurred if the consent decision was appealed.

The pre-application costs would cover technical reports, including hydrological, ecological and engineering assessments, and a cultural report, given the importance of Otuwharakei Ashburton Lakes for mana whenua. A lizard assessment may also be needed.

These assessments might take 6-12 months to complete.

The officer’s report says that if Council proceeds in preparing a resource consent application, it would spend at least $266,000 with no certainty of a successful or sustainable outcome. It could also set a precedent, with Council expected to lodge consents for recreation benefits for other groups and organisations.

If Council decides not to proceed with consents, the report said risks included that water levels in Lake Camp would continue to fluctuate, and some in the community would be disappointed.

The Council meeting on Wednesday will be live-streamed on Council’s social media channels (Facebook and YouTube). A copy of the report is part of the meeting agenda.