Staff in this section manage 62 river and drainage rating districts where communities have joined with Environment Canterbury to co-fund river control and drainage objectives agreed with representatives of each rating district. Annual costs of this work are approximately $9m. The work is carried out by Environment Canterbury staff and local contractors.

Other roles for the section are to deliver the Council’s regional gravel management function; to manage river control works for utility operators; and to provide advice to consent investigating officers, compliance/enforcement staff; and a limited advisory service to the public. Staff work with communities to develop objectives and funding mechanisms for the establishment of new rating districts to reduce their risks of flooding and erosion.

The River Engineering Section sits within Environment Canterbury’s Operations Group and consists of 50 staff comprising 3 professional engineers, 7 technical engineers, an environmental and quality management systems officer, and 39 depot staff.