The Mayfield-Hinds-Valetta scheme was originally granted consent to discharge 104 kilograms of nitrate from dairying per hectare each year. (File photo)A controversial irrigation scheme renewal has left some Cantabrians fearing waterways could be ruined drinking water bores contaminated with “toxic levels” of nitrates. The Mayfield-Hinds-Valetta (MHV) irrigation scheme is seeking a 10-year replacement consent from Environment Canterbury (ECan) for 56,500 hectares of Mid-Canterbury farmland. STACY SQUIRES/Stuff Aotearoa Water Action spokesman Peter Richardson says nitrates leaching into Canterbury’s waterways is a public health disaster in the making. The scheme was originally granted consent to discharge 104 kilograms of nitrate from dairying per hectare each year.

Source: Stuff April 07, 2021 09:45 UTC