Ministry awards funding for further soil tests at Sandilands

18 May 2004

The Ministry for the Environment has granted funding towards the cost of further assessment of contamination levels on privately owned properties at Sandilands.

The 12.5 hectare area in Wainoni/Aranui is a former Council landfill, dating back to 1870.  The landfill was closed in 1942, then covered and developed by the Council for housing.

In February, Environment Canterbury lodged an application on behalf of the Christchurch City Council for funding from a central government grant scheme to help pay for the remediation of properties at Sandilands. 

The first stage of that funding application, for further soil testing, has been approved, with 40% of the cost being met from the fund.  The Council is likely to consider the funding deed at its July meeting and decide whether to proceed.

“A total of  $150,000 is required for the assessment, $90,000 of which the Council will be required to pay,” the Council’s Environmental Effects team leader, Klaus Prusas said.

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