█ The Natural Hazards of South Dunedin – July 2016 [read online]
Otago Regional Council
ISBN: 978-0-908324-35-4
Report writers:
Michael Goldsmith, ORC Natural Hazards Manager
Sharon Hornblow, ORC Natural Hazards Analyst
Reviewed by: Gavin Palmer, ORC Director Engineering, Hazards and Science
External review by: David Barrell, Simon Cox, GNS Science, Dunedin
—
Received from Neil Johnstone
Sun, 29 Aug 2016 at 8:17 p.m.
Message: Misinformation on the causes of the June 2015 South Dunedin flood have abounded since the event. As if the victimised residents haven’t suffered enough from others’ inactions (before and during the event), they are now being subjected to a hazards discovery process whose vigour appears to be exceeded only by its own recklessness. Following are a commentary of the hazards approach adopted by the Otago Regional Council (ORC), and a summary of my investigations into the flood event that I commenced after the publication of Dunedin City Council’s first flood report back in November 2015.
You can download Neil Johnstone’s report or read it below (formatted slightly differently to suit the WordPress template).
AN APPRAISAL OF RECENT REPORTING OF SOUTH DUNEDIN HAZARDS
N.P JOHNSTONE, BEng (Civil), MIPENZ
1. Introduction
There is some irony that DCC and ORC should be planning “drop in” sessions for residents in respect of South Dunedin hazard issues during September 2016, some 15 months after the major flood. The prime cause of flooding in June 2015 was DCC’s failure to maintain its infrastructure (not just mudtanks), and its failure to operate its pump stations to their intended capacities. The subsequent spread of misconceptions (i.e. groundwater levels, rainfall significance etc) surrounding the flood causes was at least partly due to inaccurate ORC analyses and reporting.
Repetitive and new doubtful information emanating from ORC via its latest report has been noted. Presentations and an over-simplistic video production have been observed. A footnote covering these observations is included at the end of this appraisal.
Long-delayed DCC reports on causes of the South Dunedin flooding have already been strongly criticised by the author. Specifically discredited are misrepresentations of sea level, groundwater and rainfall ranking. Accepted now by DCC as factors (somewhat grudgingly, and depending on the audience) are mudtank blockage and Portobello Road pump station failures (plural); still to be fully acknowledged are the failures at Musselburgh Pumping Station.
Attention is now turned to significant parts of hazard reports produced by the Otago Regional Council and utilised by DCC.
2. Coastal Otago Flood Event 3 June 2015 (ORC, published October 2015)
This report deals with a wider area than South Dunedin. It is apparent that ORC staff never visited the flooding areas of South Dunedin on 3 June, but took advantage of fine weather to take some water level readings the following day. The opportunity for useful progressive surface water level recording was thus lost. Levels were collected at some 150 points on 4 June. ORC’s main conclusion was that “localised variations in topography were probably the main driver of flood depth”. Or, put another way, water depth was deepest where the ground was lowest. This seems hardly surprising, and even trivial. No attempt was made to explain the photographic images presented of extensive ponding remaining well after the rains had ceased. The phenomena of blocked mudtanks and unutilised pumping capacity went seemingly unnoticed.
The report does usefully reference ORC’s four borehole recorders of groundwater, but makes the somewhat misleading assessment that groundwater levels were “elevated” prior to the rainstorm. This misinformation was seized upon by agencies such as DCC and the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment to highlight climate change impacts.
Having obtained the actual groundwater level data from ORC via the LGOIMA process, the author was able to reveal this “groundwater fallacy” in reviews from February 2016, but it was not until the publication of NZ Listener’s article (June 11-17, 2016) entitled ‘FLOOD FIASCO’ that ORC admitted that pre-flood groundwater levels were in fact “just a little bit above average”. ORC now seems intent on resurrecting this fallacy.
The ORC report fails to address the real and key issues of pumping station failures (Portobello Road and Musselburgh), or comparisons with much lesser flood impacts in the larger rainfall event of March 8/9 1968.
The report states that the 2015 24-hour rainfall was the largest since 1923. This was patently incorrect, but again was utilised by DCC to divert blame from their role in the disaster.
3. The Natural Hazards of South Dunedin (ORC, published July 2016)
The report states unambiguously in its Opening Summary that the major flooding of June 2015 was “a result of heavy rainfall, surface runoff, and a corresponding rise in groundwater”. By now, most people are aware that the causes of the flooding’s disastrous impact were failure to optimally operate pumping stations, failure to clear mudtanks, and failure to deploy staff to key areas during the event. Again, none of these factors is addressed in ORC’s report.
The report presents a table on its second page entitled “Factors Which Can Influence Flood Hazard”. Examples of exaggerated negativity include:
1. Heavy Rainfall:
– Many recorded instances of rainfall leading to surface flooding.
– Heavy rainfall events have occurred frequently over the last decade.
Comment: These conclusions do not appear to be supported by the report’s text, and are vague, factually challengeable and alarmist. Prior to 2015, no major flooding had occurred in South Dunedin since 1968, and even that was minor by comparison.
2. Sea Level:
– Groundwater level fluctuates (by up to 0.5m near the coast) on a twice-daily cycle in response to normal ocean tides.
Comment: All of South Dunedin is near the coast; most of the area does not experience such large fluctuations. This should have been made clear by the inclusion of groundwater data from all 4 ORC sites across the plain, not just from Kennedy Street.
3. Seismic:
– Large earthquakes could result in increased flood hazard on the South Dunedin plain, due to liquefaction-related land subsidence or direct, sudden, changes in land elevation relative to sea level.
Comment: All areas of NZ have some susceptibility to earthquake damage. Dunedin is amongst the areas at lowest risk; no incidences of even minor liquefaction have ever been reported in South Dunedin, and little or no clearly liquefiable materials have been identified (Refer GNS, 2014*). Continue reading →
From: Clare Curran [Dunedin South MP] Subject: Notes from the Meeting with DCC on 3 May Date: Fri, 6 May 2016 00:31:05 +0000 To:
Dear everyone
Further to my last email here is the notes taken by office from the meeting with the Mayor and senior Council management on 3 May.
This is to keep you informed and for transparency purposes.
A new meeting date will be set up soon and I will keep you all informed
Kind regards
Clare Curran
[begins]
Notes from meeting 3 May 2016
South Dunedin Action Group (SDAG) and mayor + senior management
Mayor Cull
– acknowledged that there was collective concern, that they were pleased to meet with the group and that the meeting provided the best place to provide clarifications
– Acknowledged that the process had been lengthy and frustrating, and “sloppy”
– Council was now very sceptical about evidence relating to the flood and had been let down. He added that they would not make any changes to anything without evidence.
– If the event occurred again even with the proper maintenance there would have been severe flooding
– Determined to make the system we have work the best that it can
– Agreed need another mechanism other than the ODT to communicate with the community
– Will consider the discussion and come back with a proposal for the next meeting with a smaller group
Laura McElhone. Group Manager Water and Waste
– All mudtanks had been cleaned in South Dunedin (marked with green spray)
– Screen has been redesigned at pumping station, work about to go to tender, installation expected July/August
– Screen currently cleaned weekly by contract with photograph for proof
– Proposed screen modifications would see a 4 part screen to allow for safer and easier cleaning – could not confirm bar spacing
– Approx. 100 manholes had been lifted (Oct/Nov 2015) to identify any siltation – none identified as a problem – map can be provided of manholes checked – this exercise will be repeated in Oct/Nov 2016
– Confirmed that with the work carried out or in progress expected reduction in level of water would be about 200mm – however difficult to predict because too many variable to undertake modelling
– On issue of foul sewage infiltration confirmed that work being undertaken in Kaikorai Valley was to reduce the pressure on the system before it came through to Caversham
– On the issue of diverting foul sewage to Green Island treatment works stated that it was only able to handle a certain amount as it had been set up for a different type of sewage
– With regard to pumping out to sea, confirmed that they now know who to contact at the ORC and will maintain valves to enable this to happen if necessary
– Advised Musselburgh pumping capacity cannot run at maximum [this is disputed by Darrel]
– Forecast received on 2 June was for 1/3 less rain – only after midday on 3 June did they receive prediction on the size of the event
– Definitely had contractors and staff monitoring and out in South Dunedin, but did not have enough people to cover the scale of event
– Door-knocking by DCC did not record the number of flooded houses [DCC has not been back to check]
– 1968 flood had two peaks so had time to recover [disputed by Darrel]
– Too many variables to accurately measure topographical data
– Understand need to reassure and quantify but have to be careful not to give false impression
– Advised that 4/5 engineers employed in planning and 6/7 at the delivery end – acknowledged the identified lack of a storm water specialist – currently under recruitment
Ruth Stokes. Infrastructure and Networks General Manager
– Contractors have been asked to verify status of periphery areas
– Need to build resilience in the community – have recognised need to contact secondary schools and community groups and extend beyond the ‘What’s the plan Stan” initiative
Sue Bidrose. Chief Executive
– Unable to provide a figure on the number of roads closed by DCC as the water washed the cones away.
– Civil defence, Fire and Police all advised DCC that only 20-30 houses had been flooded – suggested that volunteers sandbagging were not part of the information loop and therefore message did not get through to emergency services
Kate Wilson. Councillor
– Have been advocating for a rain radar for a number of years on the Taieri
David B-P. Councillor
– Not just South Dunedin affected but other areas also, we need answers to give the community reassurance that the system is operating
[ends]
█ For more enter the term *flood* in the search box at right.
Dave doesn’t know whether to swallow his kornies or not.
His hair is turning grey, he’s feeling tired and he looks old.
Meanwhile, someone files divorce papers.
[“I thought we were Green! I can’t understand you anymore! Asbestos for cash?! These are your scarves, your suits, I’m throwing out the window – along with this stupid bike helmet, used camel shackles and all the skanky lycra. Go away!”]
Secretly, young woman seen rubbing hands with glee at so much dosh.
[Stifle obvious questions about what else goes into Green Island landfill. This is Tartan Mafia town.]
DCC receives $millions for landfill dumping of hazardous waste, WHO CARES ABOUT GREEN except for the imprint of Serious Money to bolster Council slush funds, rugby? stadium ? cricket ? – anyone ?
NOO! For Sue’s next trips to Oxford, staff’s Grand Central City Plan, and some left-over to pay planning fees and charges for the VB’s aquarium, hotel and connector bridge to the waterfront.
[Share spoils, maties! Leave suspicious Ratepayers out of it.]
There are no serious equitable plans to improve South Dunedin or Mosgiel drainage systems, or manage coastal erosion.
The dilemmas of High Office and short men.
—
Cheaper to dump hazardous waste at Dunedin than at Canterbury.
DCC stoopid again, takes a cheap ride instead of bumping up contract price.
Deals worth millions of dollars —council staff cite commercial sensitivity.
### ODT Online Tue, 24 Nov 2015 Asbestos fill headed for Dunedin
By Chris Morris
Up to 12,000 tonnes of asbestos-contaminated fill from Canterbury is destined to be dumped in Dunedin, but that might just be the tip of a toxic – but lucrative – iceberg. The Otago Daily Times understands the Dunedin City Council has more than one contract to accept contaminated material from outside the city at the Green Island landfill. Read more
—
The latest inanity. [Comic Sans] Source: RNZ News: South Dunedin considers sea level threat.
20 November 2015 at 8:42 a.m. (AUDIO LINK)
Hype O’Thermia: YouTube and Wikipedia are good places to find out more about ICLEI. ICLEI teaches the DCC how to inflict the Sustainable Development world view on the citizens by using devious, undemocratic, secret and manipulative methods. ICLEI has helped the DCC to produce “marketing and communication” strategies to break down barriers to their deeply stupid ideas being accepted by the public. The goal is “behaviour change”. East Germany had the Stasi (Staatssicherheit), now we have ICLEI, Dave Cull and Sue Bidrose.
The influence of ICLEI explains a few things – like the DCC’s tendency towards increasingly secret (staff only) decision-making (eg the development and implementation of the Environment Strategy) and the generally severely deficient level of public consultation due to: skimpy information, poor publicity, expanding decisions beyond the scope of the consultation and treating it as just a ceremonial procedure (eg Dave’s Bicycle Network and its implementation). The pursuit of ICLEI’s goals is a direct cause of the underfunding of the city’s deficient (and worsening) infrastructure.
As far as I can tell most DCC councillors don’t know that the DCC has become a member of ICLEI and are unaware of the financial cost and its big influence in forming DCC policy. This demonstrates a problem with the attitude of the staff that councillors need to fix. The collusion between Dave Cull and Sue Bidrose is, however, a barrier to this that needs to be overcome. Councillors need to stop sleepwalking and start to become aware of the decisions that are being made without their involvement.
[ends]
—
Posted by Elizabeth Kerr
*Image: cartoonaday.com – Dave breakfast gruel [Warcraft-All-Nighter-Gamer tweaked by whatifdunedin]
Mayor calls on government for help
39 Dunedin Television 20.11.15
A rising issue for seaside suburbs, a new report shows Dunedin is most at risk of suffering the negative effects of rising sea levels due to climate change. South Dunedin residents in particular are likely to experience flooding from rising ground water. Ch39 Link
Debate is raging, more comments and posts will surface on Greenie Mayor Cull’s witless screwy remarks at Otago Daily Times today.
Flood will cost ratepayers: Cull
Dunedin’s massive deluge will hit ratepayers in the form of delayed projects and funding reallocations, Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull concedes. […] “This kind of downpour is exactly the kind of climatic change that is predicted for the eastern South Island in the event of unfolding climate change.” […] “My feeling is central government and local government will need to co-operate right around the country and this is a bit of a pre-taste of some of the effects we can expect from climate change and sea level rises,” he said. “I think it would be a bit naïve to think this won’t happen again for another 100 years.” http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/344767/flood-will-cost-ratepayers-cull
—
Received from Mick Field
Fri, 5 Jun 2015 at 4:20 p.m.
You might find this interesting in view of all the alarm and hype over the latest flooding. The Green Party is entirely wrong to blame the 3 June Dunedin flooding on climate change. Why? Because they show that the severe flooding two days ago is not new. Unusual, but not unique. A combination of rainfall data and photographs makes these comments as convincing as they were prompt.
22 Apr 1923 Dunedin 230mm in 24 hours
19-20 Mar 1929 Ross Creek (Dunedin outskirts) 279mm in 24 hours
[June 3 2015] was 175mm in 24 hours
The Otago Daily Times said it was double the previous record for a full day since records began in 2006. [But 2006 was only the start of recording rainfall in the city centre rather than Musselburgh, 3 km away.]
—
Local experts:
### ODT Online Fri, 5 Jun 2015 Don’t blame climate change for city deluge, weather experts say
By Eileen Goodwin
The flooding in Dunedin on Wednesday was not caused by climate change, a University of Otago climatologist says. “I think this is just a weather event,” Dr Nicolas Cullen, of the department of geography, said. Read more
….Dunedin has experienced two bad floods, one in 1923 and another in 1929. More rain fell in the 24-hour periods than what we got on Tuesday/Wednesday. In the first 1923 flood, 229mm (9.02 inches) fell (measured at Musselburgh) and in 1929, 279mm (11.0 inches) fell (measured at Ross Creek reservoir). Figures are from City of Dunedin, a history by K C McDonald. Our recent big rain was only 175mm in 24 hours. Probably it wasn’t severe enough to be called a one in 100 year event.
Based on these three measurements, it looks like severe rainfall in Dunedin has become less frequent and less intense. And if Tuesday’s flood was caused by Global Warming, then what caused the other floods? If it was the weather that caused the earlier floods, then why would you think that it wasn’t the weather that caused the recent flood?
A very serious problem for crusaders that blame extreme weather on Global warming is that for at least the last 17 years there has been no warming trend of global temperatures. In fact there has been a slight cooling trend. The conclusion is that anything that has happened over the last 17 years can not have been caused by Global Warming (because there has been none). Don’t expect to get credible scientific advice from the Labour Party, Dave Cull or Jinty MacTavish.
Well, I just did a bit of checking and the Resource Management Act was amended in 2004, putting the responsibility fairly and squarely on to local councils to budget and plan for and take responsibility for reasonably anticipated effects of climate change. There’s a guide about what local councils have a legal responsibility to do on the website for the Ministry for the Environment (mfe.govt.nz – local government and climate change).
So Mayor Cull’s contention that central government will or should bail out Dunedin is as fatuous as a similar claim I read in a past Annual Plan document (2011, I think) that central government would (might?) bail the city out if it got into financial strife after committing to the stadium expenditure. (No central government would set such a precedent, rewarding financial irresponsibility on the part of a local body!)
Mayor Cull’s claims that maintenance is up to scratch and that 100-plus-year-old pipes held up as well as could be expected are ridiculous. He is merely asserting that the DCC is not at fault in any way. And trying to offload the responsibility for any climate change effects on to central government when councils have known since 2004 that it was a local government responsibility. Even if you think climate change is a myth, it seems prudent to protect a city against a 1 in a 100 years weather event. I wonder if the DCC can truthfully say they have been doing that.
VOLUNTEERS Those wishing to volunteer their help should call DCC on 477 4000. Staff will take details and contact you when it is established what help is needed and where. DCC general manager (services and development) Simon Pickford asked that volunteers bring their own gumboots. “You are likely to be working in areas that will still have contaminated surface water, so please come prepared. Your help is most welcome, but we need to look after your welfare too. Gloves and any other clean up equipment required will be provided on site.” (ODT Link)
█ People who wanted to donate baking to volunteers were encouraged to go to the welfare centre set up at St James’ Presbyterian Church in King Edward St, South Dunedin, or to the St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club.
Civil Defence Welfare Centre
The Civil Defence Welfare Centre in South Dunedin will re-open at 10am this morning. The centre is located in the St James Presbyterian Church Hall at 393 King Edward Street, and welfare and DCC staff will be available if you need advice or assistance.
Kerbside collection
Some streets in flooded areas did not receive a glass recycling collection service yesterday. Kerbside collections will take place as normal today so long as trucks can access streets. Streets missed yesterday including yellow bins on Portobello Road will also be serviced today if trucks can get access. Please put bins and bags out again this morning. Any missed collections where streets cannot be accessed today will be serviced on Saturday.
Rubbish skips
The Dunedin City Council has provided seven skips in the South Dunedin area so that residents can get rid of their flood related rubbish. The skips are located at Hargest Crescent, Surrey Street (2), Macandrew Road (2), Bayview Road (2), and Baker Street (Caversham) by the church.
The existing skips that have been deployed will be changed out from time to time and will also be available over the weekend. Please use these skips for large rubbish only (furniture, carpets etc.) Two more skips are on standby as and when other areas are identified.
Extra rubbish collection – South Dunedin
An extra rubbish collection will be done in South Dunedin today. Any smaller rubbish can be left kerbside. If you can bag it, do so. It does not need to be in a DCC bag today.
Manhole covers
With the recent flooding a number of manhole covers have lifted. If you spot a manhole with a missing cover please contact us with the location details so we can fix this. If you can safely move a smaller cover that has come to rest nearby back in to its rightful place, please do so. Larger (and heavier) manhole covers we will reinstall so please contact us with their location details.
Tracks closed
Parts of Ross Creek Track, the Bullock Track (from Prospect Park to Willowbank) and tracks at Frasers Gully and Meremere Reserve have been closed.
Volunteering
If you are keen to volunteer with the cleanup, please phone the DCC call centre on 477 4000. Customer Services Agency staff will take your details and contact you when it is established what help is needed and where.
Dunedin road closures
As of 10am the following roads were closed:
Portobello Rd – Doon St to Macandrew Bay to clear trees at the Cove. Detour over Castlewood Rd.
Upper Junction Rd – from Mt Cargill Rd to Brick Hill Rd.
Henley Rd.
Highcliff Rd – from Camp Rd To Portobello.
Queens Dr – from Chamberlain St to Como St.
Riccarton Rd – SH87 to Tirohanga Rd.
Portobello Rd – Beaconsfield to Beaconsfield Rd.
Waitati Valley Rd – Ford at RP6800 to end.
Gladfield Rd – Bush Rd to Dukes Rd.
Flagstaff/Whare Flat Rd – Pineapple Track to Silverstream Valley Rd.
Highway closures
As of 10.30am the following highways were closed:
State Highway 90, Pomahaka River Bridge, Glenkenich (flooding and flood damage)
State Highway 1, Concord (slip; southbound offramp is closed)
The flooding in Dunedin is now being described as a one-in-100-year event with about 175 millimetres of rain falling in 24 hours.
Civil defence welfare centre
Emergency services and the Dunedin City Council are urging Dunedin residents whose houses are affected by flooding to contact the DCC on 477 4000.
A civil defence welfare centre has been set up in South Dunedin at the St James Presbyterian Church at 393 King Edward Street. Those needing information and advice can talk to DCC staff and local welfare agency staff at the centre.
All householders are urged to follow the steps outlined by emergency services on how to protect you and your family or friends after flooding:
Skips provided in South Dunedin
The DCC is providing five skips in the South Dunedin area so people can get rid of their flood related rubbish.
The skips are expected to be delivered by mid afternoon and will be located at Hargest Crescent, Surrey Street (2) and Macandrew Road (2). Five more skips are on standby as and when other areas are identified.
Power restored to 150 customers
Aurora Energy advises that power was restored to all 150 consumers in Woodland Avenue, Kinmont Crescent and Gebbie Street in East Taieri at 11:45am and safety checks have been completed.
Power was disconnected yesterday evening to ensure the safety of the public.
Power has also been restored to consumers in Poulters Road (Leith Valley).
Power remains out to around 8 consumers in Shetland Street (Wakari). Delta crews are on site and making repairs.
17 Dunedin roads remain closed
Dunedin City Council staff have been out all night attending to road closures slips and flooding.
While many areas of town still have significant flooding issues much of our roadway is clear for traffic with care.
All city roads are open but with minor slips and detours in place.
Please note severe flooding in South Dunedin.
█ Latest road information
Dunedin bus services update
Concord services are now operating to normal schedule.
All other bus services are operating to normal schedules except the following:
Portobello services are travelling along Highcliff Road and Castlewood St to and from Macandrew Bay and then onto Portobello as usual
St Kilda services are travelling directly to St Kilda via Prince Albert St to avoid surface flooding on Bayview Road and Richardson St
█ For more information please contact the bus call centre on 03 474 0287.
(see ORC online bus alerts)
SCHOOLS
All primary and intermediate schools, and DKA Dunedin Kindergartens from Mosgiel to Port Chalmers to Waikouaiti are closed today, the Otago Primary Principals Association said.
Taieri College, Kings High School and Queens High School are also closed.
Otago Polytechnic’s campus remains open.
RUBBISH COLLECTION
The Dunedin City Council said kerbside rubbish collection would be done this afternoon for areas missed yesterday.
If access is unavailable to the contractors, they will finish collection tomorrow morning.
REST HOMES AND HOSPITALS (via RNZ)
The Southern District Health Board says there are no planned changes to patient clinics or surgery today.
On Wednesday, the Radius Fulton rest home on Hillside Road was evacuated, with staff looking for alternative accommodation for about 75 people.
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Road conditions update
This item was published on 04 Jun 2015
Emergency services and the Dunedin City Council have moved into recovery mode after heavy rain yesterday. All city roads are open but with minor slips and detours in place, but please note there is severe flooding in South Dunedin.
Dunedin City Council Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says rain continued through the night to 2am in the morning. DCC crews and contractors worked through the night attending to road closures slips and flooding.
“While many areas of town still have significant flooding issues much of our roadway is clear for traffic with care. All city roads are open but with minor slips and detours in place.”
For the most up to date information on closures around our main roads please look on the DCC website.
But please note the following information about roads
● Portobello Rd. – (Macandrew Bay to Dunedin) is closed due to numerous slips , please detour via Castlewood Rd and Highcliff Rd.
● Highcliff rd – is blocked by numerous slips north of Sandymount Rd.
● Brighton Rd. (Green Island to Brighton)- is open with care , watch out for surface flooding ,slips and debris .
● Kaikourai Valley rd – is still blocked at Burnside due to flooding.
● Saddle Hill Rd / Scroggs Hill Rd closed between McMaster Rd & Law Rd due to slips
● State Highway 1 -( Mosgiel to Dunedin) is clear , minor surface flooding .
● Three Mile Hill – flooding has receded and road is open for traffic.
● SH 1 Waitati to Allanton – no restrictions. Surface flooding receding from Andy Bay lights (north bound).
● SH 88 Dunedin to Port Chalmers – Flooding, minor slips. Closed at Sawyers Bay rail over bridge. Cars & light vehicles to follow detour route through Sawyers Bay, flooded area ok for heavy vehicles to pass.
● SH 87 Mosgiel – Flooding has receded from the shopping precinct. Surface flooding at Hagart Alexander Drive intersection.
● SH 87 – No events reported through the night from TREIS. Inspection being undertaken now. Update at 0700 hrs.
● SH 85 Palmerston to Kyeburn – Flooding, Snow/Ice, no restrictions.
● SH 1 Milton – Flooding 1km south of Milton. Closed to light vehicles, no detour route. Ok for 4wds & heavy vehicles to pass.
● The south bound motorway off ramp/link from Lookout Point to Stevenson Rd, Concord has a slip blocking the carriageway. We have closed this road. I’d estimate about 100cu of material. It’s blocking 75% of the carriageway and is located approx. 300m uphill from the Stevenson Rd intersection.
“Motorists need to drive carefully and should expect delays getting to school and work.”
Key messages for the public are:
● Where possible, avoid driving or walking through flooded areas
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for damaged roads
● There have been some sewage overflows. To keep safe please avoid coming into contact with surface water as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly
● All DCC water supplies are safe to drink. However, users of privately owned water bores should check their security for surface water intrusion and if concerned shut down the bore head and use stored water
● Always treat all electricity lines and equipment as live at all times and keep well clear.
● Call emergency services in first instance if you are involved in an emergency situation.
● Please don’t go sightseeing
● If you have to evacuate your house please secure as best you can before leaving.
DCC staff and contractors, and emergency services have been working hard to deal with a wide variety of issues around the wider Dunedin area.
█ For the most up-to-date road conditions visit http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. This includes any state highway closures that affect traffic around the wider DCC area.
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Dunedin recovery response underway after deluge
This item was published on 04 Jun 2015
Emergency services and the Dunedin City Council are urging Dunedin residents whose houses are affected by flooding to contact the DCC on 477 4000.
A civil defence welfare centre has been set up in South Dunedin at the St James Presbyterian Church in King Edward Street. Those needing information and advice can talk to DCC staff and local welfare agency staff at the centre.
All schools in the Dunedin are closed today, for further information contact your school.
All householders are urged to follow the steps outlined by emergency services on how to protect you and your family or friends after flooding:
● Keep children and pets out of any affected area until cleanup has been completed.
● Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves during cleanup of affected area.
● After contact with any floodwater or contaminated objects, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
● Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products). If you cannot dispose of them immediately then bag them (if possible) and put them aside for later disposal.
● Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures). First, wash surfaces with soap and warm, clean water to remove dirt. Next, sanitize surfaces with household bleach. Read and follow the safety instructions on any product you use.
● Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
● Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent.
● Discard any contaminated food: food that has been in contact with flood water or food that has been in a refrigerator or freezer that has been affected by the flood water. Tinned food will be okay but the outside of the can may be contaminated.
● Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.
● Below are the most important safety guidelines when using sanitizing products:
● Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.
● Wear gum boots, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
● Try not to breathe in product fumes. If using products indoors, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter.
Key messages for the public are:
● Where possible, avoid driving or walking through flooded areas
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for damaged roads
● There have been some sewage overflows. To keep safe please avoid coming into contact with surface water as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly
● All DCC water supplies are safe to drink. However, users of privately owned water bores should check their security for surface water intrusion and if concerned shut down the bore head and use stored water
● Always treat all electricity lines and equipment as live at all times and keep well clear.
● Call emergency services in first instance if you are involved in an emergency situation.
● Please don’t go sightseeing
● If you have to evacuate your house please secure as best you can before leaving.
DCC staff and contractors, and emergency services have been working hard to deal with a wide variety of issues around the wider Dunedin area.
DCC Manager Civil Defence Neil Brown said while Civil Defence has been activated to monitor and co-ordinate, a civil defence emergency had not been called at this stage.
More heavy rain that has flooded parts of Dunedin is forecast overnight, with the council warning the situation could get worse before it gets better.
Power has been cut to 150 houses in East Taieri as a safety measure, and Aurora Energy is warning others may be affected. “We anticipate that further urgent disconnections of power supply in Dunedin may be required in the interests of public safety. Dunedin electricity consumers should be prepared in the event of power outages,” an Aurora Energy spokesman said.
### ODT Online Wed, 3 Jun 2015 Civil defence response to Dunedin flooding
A civil defence response has been activated in Dunedin amid torrential rain which has caused widespread flooding, including sewage on the streets.
A Dunedin City Council spokesman said emergency services were now working together out of the civil defence bunker in central Dunedin to coordinate their response to multiple flooding events across the city.
Dunedin City Council civil defence manager Neil Brown said in the 24 hours up to about 3pm, about 90mm to 95mm of rain had fallen in the Dunedin area.
“To put that into perspective, overnight we may get another between 80mm and 100mm, according to the forecast. So really we are about halfway in terms of the volume we have experienced over the city.” Read more + Photos
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Widespread Flooding Posing Problems
This item was published on 03 Jun 2015
South Dunedin, Kaikorai Valley and parts of Mosgiel, the Brighton Coast and the Taieri Plain have been hardest hit by heavy rain and flooding.
Dunedin City Council staff and contractors, and emergency services are busy dealing with flooding that is knee deep in isolated areas.
As at 1.30pm, seven roads around the wider Dunedin area are closed.
Key messages for the public are:
● Where possible, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, particularly those that may be contaminated with wastewater
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for widespread surface flooding
● There are going to be a lot of motorists on the road trying to get home, so we ask drivers to be patient and allow plenty of time for travel
● Check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or have young children
● The water supply is safe to drink
DCC Manager Civil Defence Neil Brown says Civil Defence has been activated to monitor and co-ordinate, but a civil defence emergency had not been called at this stage.
DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says heavy rain since early today has caused widespread flooding and the rain was not expected to ease any time soon. According to Otago Regional Council data, more than 60mm of rain had fallen at Pine Hill in the 24 hours to 12.40pm today.
“The sheer amount of rain means our stormwater system is at capacity and the roading network is under pressure. We are monitoring what is happening and assisting wherever we can.”
Foul sewer contamination has forced the closure of the Hargest Crescent area. This could become an issue for other areas.
DCC Water and Waste Network Contracts Manager Mike Ind says stormwater and foul sewers in the Hillside Road/Surrey Street areas were at capacity at 10.30am today. The Fire Service was pumping water from the Fulton Home property on Hillside Road. DCC staff and Civil Defence have helped with the provision of additional flood barriers.
The Fire Service reports its appliances and personnel are fully committed.
Mr Standring says the severe weather warning for Dunedin is still in place. One of the major upcoming concerns is high tide, due late afternoon, which may have an impact on the water draining away.
█ For the most up-to-date road conditions visit http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. This includes any state highway closures that affect traffic around the wider DCC area. People can also look at the Highgate web cam and others around the city.
█ Contact Peter Standring, DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer on 027 514 1617.
—
### ODT Online Wed, 3 Jun 2015 Heavy snow to 500m possible
By Carla Green
A severe rain warning for Clutha and Dunedin may culminate in heavy snow falling to 500m in Otago today, a MetService meteorologist says.
The warning predicted “accumulations may reach 80mm to 100mm about the hills and ranges over an 18-hour period, which is a significant amount of rain for the [Clutha and Dunedin] area”.
The rain was expected to develop early this morning, and clear by Friday, meteorologist Emma Blades said. Snow was expected above 500m from this afternoon to tomorrow morning. Read more
—
Flood Videos:
█ 39 Dunedin News: Flooding strikes Dunedin
With much of Dunedin under water, emergency personnel are preparing for a busy night. Dozens of roads are closed due to flooding, and residents are being urged to limit travel. And for one local, the rain is already proving costly.
### Stuff.co.nz Last updated 22:23, June 3 2015 Flooding wreaks havoc in Dunedin video
By Hamish McNeilly and Michael Daly
Large parts of Dunedin are underwater as heavy rainfall cause chaos in the city.
More than 400 emergency calls were made during the severe flooding in Dunedin on Wednesday, the Fire Service said.
The army had been helping volunteers desperately sandbag 100 houses in the Dunedin seaside suburb of St Kilda as water threatened to devastate the properties. All of the Dunedin Fire Service’s vehicle fleet had been called out, including part of its reserve fleet and the Dunedin Rural Fire Service, a Southern Fire communications spokesman said. Read more + Video + Safety Information
The council would investigate problems at the corner of St Andrew and George Sts.
### ODT Online Tue, 17 Dec 2013 Storm floods city shops
Parts of Dunedin were flooded late yesterday afternoon when a thunderstorm struck, causing havoc for some central-city businesses. In less than 30 minutes, 15mm of rain fell in the central city, with 18.8mm falling between 4pm and 5pm. Water washed into about 20 businesses, mostly in George St between the Wall Street mall and the St Andrew St intersection. Read more + Images
An LGOIMA request to uncover and unblock the city council’s infrastructure services (actual) activity log of street maintenance works as well as the record of council consultation with affected building owners (including City Property for Wall Street Mall which cops it every time there’s a slight deluge…), and all associated complaints received by the council would be useful in “forward planning”.
As for temporary road closures in the CBD during heavy rain and flooding, what is the history? Have there been attempts to do this in the past? During yesterday’s rain there was certainly enough time to effect temporary stopping to help minimise damage to property caused by vehicle movement.
****
### dunedintv.co.nz July 15, 2013 – 8:02pm Council will consider the cost of rain damage to the city
The Dunedin City Council will tomorrow consider the cost of damage to the city from storms and rain. Video
What came of this consideration? Apparently, nothing for the CBD.
****
Dunedin City Council – Media Release 17 June 2013 Heavy Rain Causes Flooding, Slips
Contractors are busy clearing slips and fallen trees from Dunedin roads after heavy rain causes problems across the wider city. Cont/
****
DCC Three Waters Strategy… Management of Water Wastewater and Stormwater (The 3 Waters)
Our main objective is to protect public health and safety by delivering enough safe drinking water to, and safely removing waste and storm water from, everyone connected to the network, with minimal impact on the environment and at an acceptable financial cost. We also aim to provide protection from flooding and erosion as well as controlling and reducing pollution in stormwater discharges to waterways and the sea. As well as delivering services today, we need to plan for the future, making sure we will be able to deliver the service that future generations will need. Cont/
****
Dunedin City Council – Media Release 06 Dec 2013 City Care Confirmed as Contractor
City Care has been awarded the tender to maintain Dunedin’s water and wastewater network. The contract, which starts on 28 February 2014, is expected to deliver annual savings of at least $350,000. The annual contract value is $4.6 million a year, with an additional $159,000 of transition costs in the first year. City Care employees will carry out the maintenance work on the water and wastewater network, such as turning up to fix a burst water main or a blocked sewer. Cont/
![Dave breakfast gruel - Warcraft-All-Nighter-Gamer [cartoonaday.com] tweaked (1)](https://dunedinstadium.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/dave-breakfast-gruel-warcraft-all-nighter-gamer-cartoonaday-com-tweaked-1.jpg)
![Flooding Anzac Ave, looking towards Harrow St - April 1923 [DCC Archives]](https://dunedinstadium.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/flooding-anzac-ave-looking-towards-harrow-st-april-1923-dcc-archives.jpg)
![RAIN [tvnz.co.nz] screenshot 3](https://dunedinstadium.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/rain-tvnz-co-nz-screenshot-31.jpg)
What if? Dunedin... 