What to include in your application

Section 88 of the Resource Management Act (1991) sets out the requirements for resource consents applications.

Applications should be completed on the appropriate resource consent application forms which will include:

• description of the activity and its location
• location plan (to appropriate scale) and site map
• details of any consultation undertaken, and written approvals if required
• assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE)
• deposit fee for the correct amount. The application is to be accompanied by the appropriate deposit, see forms and fees
• a statement specifying all other consents that may be required for the activity, and whether they have been applied for

What is an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE)?

An AEE is a written statement identifying the activity's actual or potential effects on the environment and the ways in which any adverse (or negative) effects may be avoided or mitigated. All resource consent applications must be accompanied by an AEE.

Preparing your AEE

The Fourth Schedule of the RMA outlines those matters that you should include and consider in preparing your AEE:

• a description of the proposed activity
• where the activity may result in significant adverse effects, a description of possible alternative locations or methods for undertaking the activity
• an assessment of actual and potential effects on the environment
• where the activity includes the use of hazardous substances and installations, an assessment of any risks to the environment
• where the activity includes the discharge of any contaminant, a description of the nature of the discharge, the sensitivity of the receiving environment, and any possible alternative methods of discharge, including discharge into any other receiving environment
• a description of the measures to help prevent or reduce the actual or potential effects
• identification of those persons interested or affected by the proposal, the consultation undertaken, and any response to the views of those consulted
• where the scale or significance of the activity's effect are such that monitoring is required, a description of how, once the application is approved, effects will be monitored and by whom.

The checklist and questions provided in the ARC's Form B (Assessment of Effects on the Environment) will also help you to provide all the necessary information for your AEE.