Navigation Safety Action

Posted by Nelson City Council on 19 April 2011

Temporary Reservation of wastewater pipeline corridor across Waimea Inlet between Bell Island and Monaco from 14 February - until further notice

Pursuant to provisions of the TDC Navigation Safety Bylaw 2005 (Amended 2006) and the Local Government Act 1974, the Tasman District Council and Nelson Harbourmasters have granted a temporary reservation to March Civil Ltd of a corridor of the waters of Waimea Inlet between Bell Island, Saxton Island and Monaco, for the installation and maintenance of a wastewater pipeline from 14 February 2011 until further notice.

The effect of the temporary reservation will be to allow contractors involved in the project to control access to or across the reserved area, including defining or closing navigable channels for small craft, in the interests of safety. Closures will be notified by signage at Best Island, Rabbit Island, Monaco and Akersten Street boat ramps, and by broadcast on local marine radio stations from time to time. Sheet piles will be temporarily installed. These will be marked with yellow retro-reflective tape in most cases, with those defining the available channel(s) for navigation showing port or starboard lateral mark characteristics. Usual hours of work on the project will be 7am to 6pm, but navigation restrictions may be in force at any time.

Mariners are required to observe and use only the marked route(s) across the reserved area, and take care that their wake, speed or proximity does not cause risk of harm to contractors (who may be involved in underwater operations), or risk of damage to structures including equipment and pipes.

A number of other conditions have been imposed on March Civil Ltd, which may be viewed by contacting either Harbourmaster or Gary Kennedy of March Civil Ltd during office hours.