August 2011 RM Journal
The resource consent process: Environmental models and uncertainty
Mike Freeman, Principal Environmental Scientist, URS New Zealand
The resource consent process for major development proposals often involves consideration of complex environmental modelling of potential adverse effects. This can include modelling of groundwater hydrology, water quality, air quality, noise contours, flooding risk, traffic numbers etc. The complexities and uncertainties involved in modelling potential adverse effects result in a significant challenge for all parties involved in the resource consent process. In addition, as the capacity of some receiving environments approaches defined limits, it becomes increasingly critical to have a clear understanding of the level of confidence about modelling results, the implications of this for environmental outcomes and the extent to which there are effective mechanisms available to take uncertainty into account both in the resource consent decision process and in any subsequent management of environmental effects.
