Comment on Bream Bay Fast-track Approval Application
Ruakaka Beach, Bream Bay, Wikimedia Commons
The Commissioner has submitted to the Fast-track Approvals Expert Panel considering the Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project application, which seeks to extract mineral sand across approximately 17 km² of seabed at Te Ākau Bream Bay, 30 km south of Whangārei.
The application draws on economic and environmental impact assessments which, in the Commissioner’s view, contain significant limitations and shortcomings. He questions whether the Bream Bay sand is required in addition to an existing West Coast onshore supply. He points out that the applicant’s economic analysis excludes social and environmental cost assessments.
The Commissioner questioned the rigour of the environmental impact assessments; he considers that the data supplied does not effectively support the assertions made in the application.
“It is important that the panel ensure that it is not simply relying on most-favourable-case evidence provided by the applicant. I consider that the panel does not have sufficient evidence to weigh the risks.”