The Policy Section of the Proposed District Plan provides further explanation of these Natural Areas, and the natural resources contained within these areas. The Natural Area Maps also indicate natural landscape elements, which are the subject of separate rules within the Human Environment Rules, for example special soils or sensitive ridge lines. Every property in Waitakere City has at least one Natural Area and one Human Environment zoning. When you undertake earthworks, you will have to consult the rules for both zones. See also the Rules Section of Proposed District Plan for Human Environment Rules that may also apply.
Earthworks can generate many adverse environmental effects.
The most significant of these is when sediment from earthworks enters waterways. Earthworks may also affect soil quality and quantity, existing vegetation, outstanding natural features and landscapes. Earthworks may undermine land stability, increase the risk of flooding, or make the effects of flooding worse. While earthworks are occurring, there can be problems with noise, dust and vibration, and movement of trucks and heavy machinery on roads and vehicle crossings. In most cases sediment is discharged from sites as a result of earthworks.