Module 10: Implementing the HFSP
What, why and how|Guidelines to develop an implementation strategy|Why an implementation strategy is important |How do other councils do it?|Need for external assistance |HFSP information and guidance materials |User Support
What, why and how
What
- why an implementation strategy for the HFSP is important
- guidelines to develop a HFSP implementation strategy
- ongoing development and support for using the HFSP
Why
- to identify council-specific concerns and possible solutions related to the implementation of the HFSP
- to identify the elements of an implementation strategy for the HFSP
- to develop a process for hazardous facilities resource consent applications
- to develop a long term HFSP support strategy
How
- presentation
- group discussion
There
is no way to know before experiencing
Dr Robert Anthony
Why an implementation strategy is important
Incorporating a technical procedure such as the HFSP into a District Plan must be well managed to ensure its smooth implementation, and minimise complications, delays, and costs. It is therefore important to identify potential concerns and problem areas at an early stage of the implementation phase. Also, pro-active solutions and processes need to be found and incorporated into an implementation strategy.
Guidelines to develop an implementation strategy
The strategies for the implementation of the HFSP depend on factors such as:
- the way the HFSP is incorporated into the plan
- availability of technical and non-technical expertise
- council management structure
- financial resources
- extent of industrial development in council area
In developing the HFSP implementation strategy, territorial agencies will need to address, as a minimum, the following points:
- Staff responsibilities: It is necessary to identify who will be involved in implementing the HFSP and what are the respective roles in the chain of action. This includes also counters staff making first contact with potential applicants and responding to inquiries.
- Training requirements: Territorial authorities need to identify who needs to be trained in the use of the HFSP and the scope of this training.
- Information requirements: There is a need to provide adequate background information and guidance on the HFSP to the public and also potential applicants.
How do other councils do it?
Experience with other territorial agencies shows that in most cases, Dangerous Goods (Hazardous Substances) and Environmental Health Officers play a key role in applying the HFSP.
They are often the first check point for counter staff and planners to contact to provide assistance with determining whether a particular hazardous facility exceeds HFSP screening levels, and whether a resource consent is required. They also tend to remain in ongoing contact with applicants once it has been decided that a resource consent is required.
Need for external assistance
For more complicated cases – especially where a hazardous facility needs a resource consent and a full AEE needs to be carried out – it may be helpful to bring in external expertise.
It will be beneficial to set up relationships/contacts with external specialists at an early stage to ensure the smooth processing of resource consents.
HFSP information and guidance materials
The Land Use Planning Guide for Hazardous Facilities published by the Ministry for the Environment outlines the manual calculations required for the HFSP in detail, using a Step by Step Guide and a calculation worksheet.
These tools are invaluable for understanding the principles of how the HFSP works, and to carry out simple calculations.
Both the Land Use Planning Guide and the HFSP spreadsheet package can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website (www.mfe.govt..nz).
This spreadsheet package is in a standard Microsoft Excel format that facilitates the rapid calculation of hazardous facilities applications, and also enables the entry, storage and retrieval of hazardous substance profiles.
User Support
In order to help users become confident with using the HFSP and to facilitate exchange of information amongst users through time, various forms of assistance are available.
Quarterly Newsletters
Make sure you are on the mailing list for the quarterly HFSP newsletter: it will have lots of news and ideas and training information relating to the HFSP. You are also encouraged to contribute your own ideas for the ongoing development of the HFSP. To get on the mailing list or suggest any items for inclusion, send a fax to:
ATT: Patricia Blütner, Auckland Regional Council
Private Bag 68912
Newton, AUCKLAND
Fax: 09 - 366 2155
E-mail: pblutner@arc.govt.nz
Networks
The HFSP is a growing and interactive tool, and an increasing number of territorial authorities are starting to use it, or gain experience in using it.
They are encouraged to develop information sharing networks and contacts to assist them implementing it on a day to day basis.
The Ministry for the Environment (contact: hfsp@mfe.govt.nz or phone 04 917 7400) and the Auckland Regional Council (contact: Patricia Blütner) are a useful contact point for information and clarifying questions.
Exercise
10.1
- Name some of the key requirements for implementing a successful implementation strategy for the HFSP.
- What personnel need to be involved?
- What potential pitfalls are there?
