Environment Canterbury has statutory responsibility under the Resource Management Act and the Local Government Act to work with the people of Canterbury to achieve sustainable management of the region's air, water and land resources. Our principal responsibilities are outlined below.
Environment Canterbury has statutory responsibility to:
- protect existing good air quality and improve poor air quality
- protect water quality and quantity.
- reduce adverse effects on the environment of the use, storage and transportation of hazardous substances and disposal of wastes.
- plan a safe, efficient and cost-effective regional land transport system.
- plan, fund and co-ordinate a public passenger transport system which is accessible and affordable.
- promote efficient use of energy and encourage energy production from the most efficient and sustainable resources.
- ensure safe use of the region's harbours.
- protect the natural values of the region's coastal environment.
- ensure land occupiers control animal and plant pests.
- encourage good management practices to protect soil quality and prevent loss through induced erosion, and to safeguard landscape, ecology and heritage values.
- ensure communities are prepared for civil defence emergencies.
- avoid or lessen the consequences to people of natural hazards.