Environmental threat caused by fly-tipping

Council officers are disappointed at recent cases of fly-tipping and the effect on the local environment – especially concerning is the dumping that has occurred in close proximity of Lake Taupo.

Just last week Litter Control Officers located an area in a natural stormwater gully that had been used as a rubbish dump. The gully is near the edge of Lake Taupo, in the area of undeveloped land adjacent to Nukuhau and bordering Acacia Bay Road. A significant amount of household refuse, animal carcasses, waste food and home appliances had been dumped.

Group Manager Environmental Services, Gareth Green said the abuse of this area could have been an environmental disaster if any of the material had leached into the lake. “We are determined to find the culprits,” he said. “We are currently carrying out an investigation to locate offenders and they will be prosecuted.”

The land has since been fenced off in an effort to stop the illicit dumping. Owners of the land are dismayed at the extent of the offending and potential harmful effects on the environment and support Council’s direction.

Mr Green encourages the community to report any incidents of illicit dumping of rubbish. “Dumping of any material is just not acceptable,” he said. “We need to unite to avoid a potential environmental disaster - please call our 24 hour answer service if you spot an offender and Council staff will respond immediately and prosecute.”

The affected land is not the only area in town where fly-tipping is prevalent. Crown Road and Reids’ Farm are also prone to violation. These areas are to be targeted by Council Litter Control Officers and legal action will follow.