12.10.2005

New funds for the clean up of contaminated sites

Barry Carbon, Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment announced that a new funding round begins today for regional councils to clean up contaminated sites.

The Ministry for the Environment sets aside up to $1 million each year in the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund. The fund can partially cover the costs of investigating and cleaning up sites. To date, the Ministry has approved funding for 23 projects across New Zealand.

The most recent funding round earlier in 2005 supported three successful projects where regional councils are working in partnerships with territorial authorities, local communities and landowners.

The Nelson City Council is working with a local landowner to remove contaminated sediment in the Arapiki Stream; Stoke. Soil contaminated with treated wood waste near Whakatane is being capped by Environment Bay of Plenty in partnership with the site owner; Toroa Marae-Papakainga. Environment Canterbury, with support from the Lyttelton Port Company, is investigating contaminated sediments in the Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula.

Only regional councils can apply for funding from the Ministry for the Environment's Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund. The fund has been assisting councils since 2003. To qualify for funding, contaminated sites must pose a high risk to people or the environment.

Regional councils will receive application forms and guidance for this round of the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund. Applications close on 12 December 2005.

For more information, go to www.mfe.govt.nz

ENDS

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