Environment
Tuesday, 18 October 2011 11:51
Lethal asbestos in quake rubble
The dumping of 24 truckloads of asbestos-contaminated earthquake rubble at a Christchurch landfill may not be an isolated case, a Department of Labour investigation has found.A report released yesterday under the Official Information Act found Christchurch demolition firm Dormer Construction and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) failed to identify the presence of asbestos at a Cashel St demolition site in July.About 24 truckloads of contaminated rubble was dumped at the Burwood recovery park and…
Published in
Environment
Friday, 15 July 2011 07:52
Exide will pay for blood tests for Petone residents
Free blood tests are being offered to Petone residents afraid they may have been poisoned by lead from a nearby battery recycling plant.The move comes as the Exide plant prepares to seek renewal of its consents for the controversial factory this month.The plant has been dogged by problems, including harmful lead emissions, an explosion and a fire, and Exide has been convicted twice for breaching emission standards. Recent monitoring showed lead levels were well within…
Published in
Environment
Saturday, 02 April 2011 08:28
Old dump site residents may be risking health
The residents of a Napier suburb, built on top of an old rubbish dump, may be risking their health, experts say. City council tests conducted in the suburb's park over a year ago found toxic substances exceeding allowable levels, but the residents were only officially told this week. The old landfill in Onekawa was closed in the late 1950s. Since then 125 homes and a park have been built on the site. …
Published in
Environment
Thursday, 20 January 2011 07:34
Port dismisses fumigant claims
Lyttelton Port of Christchurch has dismissed as "mischievous" suggestions that a toxic chemical used at the port might endanger the community.Methyl bromide is a colourless, odourless, ozone-depleting gas used as a fumigant to kill pests in imported goods. The neurotoxin is used in many areas of the port, including on cars, containers and timber products for export.Soil & Health Association spokesman Steffan Browning has been part of a successful campaign for more stringent conditions for…
Published in
Environment
