Council updates records on landfill sites
5 November 2003
The Christchurch City Council is in the process of upgrading its records
on former Christchurch landfill sites
In the last six months, it
has been investigating and refining its data and information
on all known sites in the city.
“
Until now, broad areas of land have been identified as containing
fill. This has included land filled with either good hard fill or refuse,” Christchurch
City Council director of operations, Ken Lawn said.
“
Through further investigation, we have been able to remove many
sites from our records that are known to contain good hard fill.
We can also be more specific about some that are known or suspected to contain
refuse, ” he said
As sites are identified, they are being incorporated
into the Council’s
land records. Landowners’ LIMs ( Land Information Memorandums) and
PIMs (Project Information Memorandums) are being adjusted, when
appropriate.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Mel Brieseman said, that mapping of all known
Christchurch landfill sites was an appropriate thing
for the Council
to do. “There are also likely to be small areas of contamination outside
the Council’s control, arising from past activities such as weathering
of old lead based paint or people burying coal or wood ash from
fires,” he
said.
The Council has worked closely with Environment Canterbury
in its gathering and refining of data. Under the Resource Management
Act, both the Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury are
responsible for collecting and managing information about former
landfill
sites.
Old closed landfills are dotted throughout New Zealand. If they
are not sufficiently covered, they can pose problems with soil
contamination. Dr Brieseman recommends that anyone who has concerns
about possible contamination
on their property should consult an environmental chemical consultant
to arrange testing. Anyone concerned that they or their household
may have health problems as a result of contamination is advised
to seek medical
advice from their general practitioner.
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