The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) opposed introducing a tough bottom line for nitrogen levels in rivers over concerns the economic impact would outweigh the environmental benefit, documents show.
Emails show MPI staff wanted the economic cost of introducing a bottom line pushed more prominently in a Cabinet paper about nitrogen level options put to ministers in May 2020.
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
MPI repeatedly clashed with the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), even though scientific experts said a Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (DIN) level of 1 mg/L was the best way to protect rivers.
Emails obtained under the Official Information Act show MPI staff wanted the economic cost of introducing a bottom line pushed more prominently in a cabinet paper about nitrogen level options put to ministers in May 2020.
Environment Canterbury is seeking to step-change environmental progress through its draft Long-Term Plan, Council Chair Jenny Hughey said today. The Council’s draft Long-Term Plan 2021-31, included in papers for Thursday’s Council meeting .