Earthquake building waste disposal investigated

Environment Canterbury is currently investigating five cases of demolition waste being stockpiled, buried or burnt illegally.

All five cases have come from outside the Christchurch Central Business District, where CERA (Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority) is supervising the removal of demolition material to the Kate Valley and Burwood landfills.

Environment Canterbury’s RMA Monitoring and Compliance Manager Brett Aldridge said that a strong line will be taken on those who dump demolition waste illegally, endangering the environment and people’s health.

“The dumping of waste has always been an issue for Canterbury and even more so now. We have seen extraordinary amounts of material processed from demolished buildings and houses following the Canterbury earthquakes.

“It is vital all building waste from damaged and demolished buildings and homes are taken to the approved locations,

“Without proper assessments and controls the stockpiling, burning and burying of demolition material can contaminate land and water and impact on air quality affecting the health of the community.” He said.

Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council and CERA are all in involved with managing the appropriate handling, recycling and dumping of demolition waste.

CERA is talking with the contractors working in the CBD cordoned red zone, many of who are also working across the city, to make sure they are fully aware and managing debris in the correct way.

Environment Canterbury is keen to hear from anyone who knows of any illegal dumping of materials. Contact the pollution hotline on 0800 77 66 58.