WHAT PRICE WATER EXPORT?

Forest and Bird, Volume 15, Issue 3, 1 August 1984, Unnumbered Page

WHAT PRICE WATER EXPORT?

Triune Resources proposal to export fresh water from Deep Cove has not been well received in Southland. Triune envisages an export buildup to a level where up to two supertankers a day would call at Deep Cove. The majority of public submissions on the company’s 300 page Environmental Impact Report are critical of the scheme. Economic benefits of the scheme were not spelt out in the E.I.R., while environmental and economic costs of the proposals are considered to be unacceptably high. Deep Cove lies in the heart of Fiordland National Park. A major water export industry would be an intrusion into the grandeur and naturalness of this area. It would destroy the qualities sought by school children who visit Deep Cove Hostel for outdoor education courses. Fiordland Travel managing director, Les Hutchins, also considers it could destroy the valuable and.expanding Fiordland tourist industry centred around Deep Cove and Doubtful Sound. Our Society is urging Government to identify alternative water sources for Triune with less impact on National Park values and the natural environment.