The National Environment Service (NES) announces it has received a new EIA Permit Application for public consultation.
NES provides environmental sign off on projects that may have an impact on the environment (Tiers 1, 2 & 3). This particular EIA Permit Application falls under a Tier 3 category, which is an activity that is likely to cause significant environmental impact.
All applications that fall under a Tier 3 category must provide an EIA report.
According to the Environment Act 2003, NES is to undertake a public consultation process for all EIA Permit Applications in the form of publishing details of the project and making it accessible to the public.
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- Applicant: Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI)
Application: Atiu Harbour Upgrade Project
- Applicant: Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI)
The Atiu Harbour Upgrade project is essential for maintaining the operational functionality of the existing harbour and enhancing safety for its users. Initiated by ICI in collaboration with the Island Government and the Atiu Members of Parliament, the project follows an asset assessment conducted by ICI in May 2024, which revealed a concerning condition indicating significant deterioration of the harbour infrastructure. Without timely intervention, the infrastructure will continue to decline, necessitating more extensive repairs in the future.
The project’s objectives include dredging the inner harbour, excavating a portion of the Makatea cliff to widen the concrete hardstand, and reconstructing both the concrete hardstand and the boat ramp. These improvements aim to enhance safety for harbour users and enable the harbour to accommodate all tidal conditions, although usage will still be affected by adverse weather conditions like high swells or storms.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report covers the necessary stages, emergency protocols, and infrastructure requirements for the project. It addresses key impact management areas, including land use, waste management, erosion control, and hazard mitigation. Additionally, the EIA Permit Application includes an Environmental Management Plan that outlines measures to reduce any potential environmental impacts.
Vavia Tangatataia, NES Manager of Environmental Compliance, stated, “As part of NES’s new communication strategy, we are pleased to share information about our EIA applications through various media channels to effectively engage with our community. Public consultation is crucial for fulfilling our mandated obligations and safeguarding our environment. We encourage anyone with questions to reach out to us.”
The EIA Reports are accessible on the NES website for public viewing. Hard copies can also be obtained at the NES office (Atiu) also shops on the island. Additional notifications regarding the EIA will be posted on NES’s Facebook page, e-newsletter, and in print media.Members of the public who wish to submit feedback on the EIA Permit Application may do so by writing to NES by March 20, 2025. Submissions are welcome in both Cook Islands Māori and English. Please send your submissions via email to nes@cookislands.gov.ck or deliver them to the NES office in Atiu.
