Success story

Phosphorus Limit Setting in Barkers Creek

With a particular focus on phosphorus and nitrogen, the group were keen to:

• fill gaps in their understanding of nutrient loading throughout the catchment
• inform actions to mitigate nutrient losses and/or improve water quality
• understand potential implications of Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) limits
• understand the sources of elevated nutrients.

Through A2E, Dr Michael Greer (Torlesse Environmental Ltd) provided their expert support services. This included a site visit to the catchment, a review of existing literature and studies undertaken there, data analysis from water quality sampling, and the presentation of detailed findings in a report.

Through Dr Greer’s advice, Barkers Creek Catchment Group gained a better understanding of nutrient levels in their catchment, including the sources of those nutrients. The group has also benefitted from Dr Greer’s advice around best practice actions to improve nutrient readings and water quality. The Group will engage with Environment Canterbury to see if further water quality monitoring can be undertaken and/or discuss the implication of any proposed LWRP limits.

Photo supplied by Barkers Creek Catchment Group.