Water and Waste Manager Mike Stockwell says the idea is for the gas to be pumped out of the landfill through vertical suction wells, piped to flares and burnt off.

Stage One of the project will cost about $800,000 but could be expanded to a more comprehensive gas extraction system costing up to $6m. Mr Stockwell says the driver for the Stage One work is neighbourhood concern at odours from the landfill which the Council believes are caused by landfill gas, not refuse. The gas is not a health hazard, but the Council is responding to local concern.

If the larger system proved to be worthwhile, the gas could be used to generate energy which would be sold. It is possible that the Council would enter a joint venture with industry to develop Stage Two on a commercial basis. Mr Stockwell says Stage One is expected to be commissioned around March next year. The Council’s consultant for the project is URS New Zealand.