Lucas Creek Stream Assessment

Image of Lucas Creek. Summary of report findings

Lucas Creek has only recently started to be developed from rural to residential landuse. Land clearing, soil disturbance and construction has had significant effects in some parts of the stream. Sediment deposits in some parts of the stream are smothering habitat and have had a significant effect on the ecological value of the stream. However, the stream still retains stretches of excellent native riparian cover, natural character and a range of habitat types.

Lucas Creek has been identified as a category 2 stream due to a high level of community interest, a need to protect the stream mouth and high heritage values.

Length		16.3km
Size of Catchment		600ha
Vegetation Cover		24% (144ha), generally in the northern part of the catchment
Imperviousness		17.3%
District Plan Land Use	Albany expansion centre	> 1%
	Business	15%
	Recreation	5%
	Residential	3%
	Residential expansion	1%
	Road	10%
	Special Purpose	9%
	Rural	1%
	Structure Plan Area	56%
Recreational Use		Low, most reserve is associated with the lower main channel
Receiving Environment		Lucas Creek Estuary
Substrate		Generally silt/mud
Natural Wetlands		3
Artificial Wetlands		5
Periphyton		Below nuisance levels
Macrophytes		Possible management issues in upper catchment
Macroinvertebrates		A range of scores
Fish		6 species of native fish + koura
Potential Man-Made Barriers to Fish Passage to Upstream Habitat		7
Channel Modification		Majority of the stream network is unmodified, most modification is the result of historical farm ponds or water supply dams.
Erosion around Structures		7 structures with slight erosion
Bank Erosion		Significant bank erosion in the lower main channel, upper section of tributary three and the lower part of tributary 7.
Temperature		Maximum temperatures are of concern, median temperatures are within acceptable range
Suspended Solids, Turbidity And Visual Clarity		Suspended solids and turbidity readings were above the average measured for other North Shore streams. Clarity readings were variable.
Oxygen and Oxygen Demand		Results suggest some organic pollution of the stream
Nutrients		Typical concentrations compared to other North Shore Streams
Contaminants		Results suggest that zinc levels may be elevated
Bacteria and Pathogens		Levels of indicator bacteria indicate that the stream is not suitable for contact recreation.
Sediment Quality		No data
Debris		Insignificant compared to other North Shore streams
Stream Grouping	Group 2, High value low disturbance	50%
	Group 3a, Urban semi-modified	30%
	Group 3b, Urban modified	12%
	Group 4, Concrete lined channel	2%
	Group 5, Piped section	6%

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