Environmental Update June 2003

Environmental Certification

We are pleased to report that Wenita has maintained FSC certification for the management of its forest resources and operations, and for fulfilling the requirements of a well managed forest for its Otago Coast, Berwick and Mt Allan forest areas.

We now face the ongoing challenge of retaining certification and improving our high standard of operation. The next FSC surveillance audit is scheduled for June 2004.

NZ Falcon

New Zealand Falcon continue to be sighted in several of our forest blocks. This is especially pleasing given the incident where the nest was disturbed last year. Contractors are now reporting sightings regularly and these are being recorded in our GIS so that the Ornithological Society can analyse Falcon movements. Falcons seem to be adapting well to the forest environment. For example, Wenita’s land preparation contractor has a "pet" Falcon who waits patiently for the digger to move slash and then helps himself to the mice and lizards!

EMS Activity Report

Internal Audits:

Three internal audits were completed this quarter, including two process audits which encompass all parts of the operation in detail (pre-planning, operation and post-operation).

1. Pest Control (Process)
   This audit covered the 1080 operation at Akatore from pre-operational planning to post operational sign off. This audit concluded that whilst many of the processes required to ensure a professional operation were in place, they were not necessarily being followed. Several initiatives have been agreed between Wenita and the AHB Contractors to ensure work is completed to a high standard.
2. Aerial Chemical Application (Process)
   The chemical application audit arose from a post-operational inspection that noted forestry had chemically land prepared an area that the harvesters had previously protected. In this case, forestry had received information from a species survey that indicated the area was able to be planted without significant environmental effect and hence prepared the area for planting. The audit therefore showed that there was no impact of the operation on the environment and also applauded the fact that this incident was raised which denotes the success of our auditing process.
3. Harvesting (BMP)
   This audit raised no serious concerns and complimented the harvesting process.

Environmental Incidents

We had four environmental incidents over the last six months.

1. A recent harvesting operation at Bungtown Stream had a target of zero slash in the stream. However, the resulting activity left slash in the stream which the harvesting crew later identified. Before this could be remedied a high flow event subsequently dammed the stream. An independent report assessed that the damage to the stream ecosystem was minimal, however damage to the surrounding trees needed to be remedied. The slash will be removed from the stream and the trees replanted when weather conditions allow.
2. The recent Animal Health Board aerial 1080 operation at Akatore caused three dog poisonings. Although the operation was not under Wenita’s control (see below), the Company worked through the issues with the neighbours and contractors to ensure this will not happen again.
3. 80 litres of Shell oil leaked from a Hitachi loader onto an adjoining clay skid. The incident was caused by a truck driver who arrived early and attempted to move the digger out of his way. He didn’t realise a hose had been undone overnight to be repaired first thing in the morning. As soon as he started the machine the oil under pressure poured out. It was concluded there was little damage to the environment and no oil reached the waterways. The follow up action included a fax to contractors highlighting the need to immobilise the machine by taking the keys out or leaving a note to warn anyone of the circumstances.

Monitoring

Public Use

Public use of the forests remains high. Over the last year, we issued 1033 Access Permits including 361 Hunting Permits and 375 Firewood Permits.

Waterways Monitoring

SCHMAK monitoring was recently carried out on 5 streams. The results indicate that the quality of the streams is very good to excellent. More importantly, the streams have not changed their status or reduced in quality since monitoring began in June 2001.