| Run-off ponds at Wainui cause concern Two large ponds below a new car park development at Wainui has created potential safety issues for students of the nearby Wainui Beach School. Concerns were raised by school principal Nolian Andrew, who said the ponds could be dangerous if a child fell into them.
“The children here grow up next to a sea, so they are pretty sensible with water — but because we don’t know how deep the pond is, it is a bit of a concern. Hopefully it is just a result of the rain and will drain soon,” she said.
Gisborne District Council utilities engineer Joss Ruifrok said they were waiting for the water level in the pond to drop before starting remedial work to fix damage caused by the rain event.
When full, the ponds were about 0.75 metres deep.
While there was some danger, there were lagoons, rivers and beaches around the city, he said.
The purpose of the ponds, or “retention areas”, is to reduce stormwater flows by temporarily holding and slowly releasing water through soakage and soil infiltration.
The area is opposite the new Sandy Cove development.
“Some discussion has taken place regarding potential modifications of the design to improve the rate of drainage, but still maintain the philosophy and outcomes of the design,” said Mr Ruifrok.
“This process will buffer the peak stormwater flows, improve discharge water quality and reduce beach erosion.”
The car park has been completed already but further planting is planned for the area.
| | |
