Demolition only where public safety at risk

Demolition of buildings is to occur only when public safety is an immediate risk during this immediate response phase, National Controller John Hamilton says.

Insurance companies and demolition contractors are being directed that all demolition material and debris is to be stockpiled on site and roads are to be kept clear of demolition material and debris.

The earthquake of February 22 has generated large volumes of construction and demolition waste in Christchurch and operational debris and waste management plans for the short to mid-term handling and disposal of this material are currently being developed, Mr Hamilton says.

Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury staff have become aware that salvage and demolition contractors have been signing contracts for the removal of earthquake debris from sites.

Insurance companies in conjunction with EQC are authorising payments for residential properties and allowing residential property owners to start clearing their properties.

Payment authorisation may continue, but there is no immediate need for the removal of any demolition material. The only exception to this is the authorised removal of demolition material or debris required for the ongoing search and rescue efforts in the CBD.

Meanwhile contractors are advised about the following disposal details for sand and silt:

• Sand and silt collected from roads in the east of the city is to be deposited at Burwood Landfill

o Temporary holding piles are being used in the collection of this material at Bexley Expressway Reserve & Rat Island Reserv

• Sand and silt contaminated by sewerage is to be carried direct to Burwood Landfill for disposal in a designated contaminated silt/sand area

• Small volunes of hazardous substance (e.g.fuel) contaminated material anywhere in the city is to go to designated area at Burwood Landfill

• Liquid sand/silt removed from underground services anywhere in the city is to go to a designated and ‘bunded’ area in Burwood Landfill

• Road sand/silt in the western parts of the city is to go to Fulton Hogan Pound Road site or City Care’s Johns Road site

• Sewerage contaminated sand/silt from the west of the city can be deposited at Fulton Hogan Pound Road site in a designated area

ENDS

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