3 September 2019
Media: NZME (for Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Heavy rain preparations
Enquiry
As you are probably aware, Rotorua and the Bay/Western Bay are expected to get quite a heavy downpour from this evening through to tomorrow afternoon with rain continuing throughout the rest of the week.
Could I please ask how the council is planning to prepare for this weather?
Response
From Rotorua Infrastructure Business Manager Regan Fraser: Rotorua Lakes Council is making the usual preparations in advance of forecast heavy rain. Preparations underway include: -Inspection of critical stormwater systems to ensure they are clear of blockages and functioning; -Lowering of wastewater storage pond levels as much as possible in anticipation of increased flow into the wastewater treatment plant during heavy rainfall; -Monitoring of weather forecasting; -Monitoring of reports of surface flooding, slips and treefalls to help Council determine if its emergency operations centre should be activated; -Keeping in close contact with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council flood management team which monitors rain gauges and water levels in Rotorua's waterways and will alert Council to rising water levels that may require alerting communities or taking emergency action. Media: Rotorua Daily Post Can I please find out today, from the relevant spokesperson from the Rotorua Lakes Council, if and what it is doing or has done to help facilitate the Big Sleepout 2019 at the Rotorua Village Green? ResponseThe following information was provided:Rotorua Lakes Council has provided the venue and equipment including gazebos, fencing, cones, sound system and power supply. Council staff have also provided advice relating to health and safety. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Media: NZME (for Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times) Could I please have the number of non-compliant wood burners that are yet to be changed over in the Rotorua airshed? ResponseThe reporter was referred to Bay of Plenty Regional Council (which enforces and administers the rules regarding fuel burners in Rotorua) and was informed that: Rotorua Lakes Council issues building permits for the installation of wood burners but does not have information about the number of non-compliant wood burners that still need changing over. |