Agrichem response positive
This year’s free collection of old and unwanted agricultural chemicals was oversubscribed and netted almost 6.4 tonnes of chemicals.
Working with Environment Canterbury and the Ministry for the Environment the Council has set up a programme for the free collection of the hazardous chemicals from rural landowners.
“There are stockpiles of unwanted agrichemicals on some properties which, due to changes in farming practices, can no longer be used,” says Council’s Senior Resource Planner, Diane Shelander.
“The cost to dispose of these chemicals appropriately can be thousands of dollars. However, inappropriate disposal, in farm pits or elsewhere on properties, can result in significant contamination. Costs to clean up such properties can be even more than to dispose of the unwanted chemicals.”
This is the second year of the programme. Due to funding, there is a limit to how much can be collected each year so the service is offered to properties of three or more acres in a targeted area each year.
The 2005 collection area was bounded by Pound Road, the Waimakariri River and the boundary with Banks Peninsula District. Rural landowners in the area were sent a letter and asked to register. Collection took place in April by Tredi, a specialist collection contractor.
Almost 6.4 tonnes of agricultural chemicals was collected from more than 70 properties, including banned and deregistered chemicals such as DDT. Last year about 1.4 tonnes was collected from 24 properties.
“I’m thrilled with the results,” says Ms Shelander. “Feedback from participating property owners indicates the service ran smoothly and was appreciated — that’s really encouraging.”
The positive response meant this year’s collection was oversubscribed. Those who missed out this year are on the list for next year’s collection.
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