Otago Regional Council (ORC) is updating its policy on how it deals with dangerous, earthquake-prone or flood-prone dams as well as how it reviews the policy.

The council is seeking public submissions as part of the process, ORC consents team leader Rebecca Jackson said.

“Hearing from our community on the proposed changes to the policy is a really important part of this process,” she said.

“The purpose of the policy is to help prevent the catastrophic failure of a potentially dangerous dam, and to ensure issues in an earthquake-prone or flood-prone dam are addressed.”

The policy, which the council is required to have under the Building Act, is being updated to ensure it is fit for purpose and in line with the nationwide Building (Dam Safety) regulations, which were introduced last year.

The regulation’s changes largely relate to dam owner responsibilities, including a requirement for owners to regularly assess and report on the condition of their dam, and to tell potentially affected people if there are any safety risks.

“It is important for Otago to have an up to date and fit for purpose policy on dams,” Rebecca said.

“Submissions will be open to the public and feedback is welcomed on the proposed policy. Dam owners will be communicated with directly by letter or email and invited to make submissions on the proposed amendments.”

More information about ORC’s dangerous dams, earthquake-prone dams and flood-prone dams policy, the proposed amendments, as well as a link to the submission form will be available on the council’s website here.

Submissions will open on November 13 and close on December 15. 

PHOTO: Supplied