Upcoming desilting works at Ford Road mooring basin

Bay of Plenty Regional Council will soon begin the next stage of desilting work in the mooring basin near Ford Road, to help ensure the Coastguard can safely operate at all tide levels.

Last August, the Regional Council carried out desilting at the site after fine sediment built up in the basin, which was impacting the Coastguard’s emergency response times during low tide. Under the Kaituna River Re‑diversion resource consent, the Regional Council has a responsibility to maintain safe water depth in the mooring basin. This next stage of work is part of meeting that requirement, while taking care to minimise effects on the awa (river).

What’s been done?

Stage 1 involved divers carefully removing fine sediment using suction equipment. The sediment was pumped to a land‑based pond, where it was allowed to settle before clean water was returned to the river. This method worked well, but progress was slower than expected due to the fine, sticky nature of the sediment.

What’s happening now?

Stage 2 will use a similar approach, but sediment will be removed using a small barge fitted with suction equipment, rather than divers. The same dewatering process and environmental safeguards used in Stage 1 will remain in place.

Environmental monitoring will continue throughout the work. This includes regular checks on water clarity in the river and at the discharge point. Drone monitoring may also be used at the start to ensure everything is operating as intended, followed by close day‑to‑day oversight for the duration of the works.

Stage 2 is expected to take around one to two weeks. If conditions allow, work is planned to begin on Monday 23 March.

If you have any questions, please contact the Western Bay Coastal Catchments team via our 0800 number: 0800 884 880, or info@boprc.govt.nz