Assessing Awareness of Methods to Improve Water Quality in Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbor

 

Harbor 2016

                    Executive Summary             Full Report

Project Abstract

This project worked with the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) to investigate the impediments towards the adoption of low-impact design (LID) methods of stormwater treatment in Porirua, New Zealand to improve the water quality of Te Awarua-o- Porirua Harbour and its catchment area. Our team learned about the harbor’s needs through background research, on-site observations, interviews with professionals, and a focus group attended by the project’s stakeholder members. The results indicated that miscommunication in the development process and a general disregard for the quality of the harbor prohibit LID from expanding in Porirua. We recommended that developers integrate LID into future plans and the GWRC promote community engagement throughout the harbor catchment.

Student Team

  • Michael D Chan, RBE
  • Alexander P Draper, ME
  • Julia H Pershken, CE
  • Jonathan Evan Ross, ME

Sponsor

Greater Wellington Regional Council

Advisors

  • Kinicki, Robert, CS
  • Eddy, Bethel L., HU