Asbestos sites at Green Island Landfill

Dunedin (Friday, 2 March 2018) – Low risk levels of asbestos have been found at two sites within the Green Island Landfill.

Group Manager Waste and Environmental Chris Henderson says testing was undertaken at the landfill recently due to concerns about stability at one of the sites. This found asbestos levels of between <0.001 to 0.076%. The acceptable level is 0.001%.

“The asbestos is contained in two small areas that are not publicly accessible. The areas are restricted to staff at the landfill and approved commercial businesses.”

“The level of asbestos detected presents a low risk to those working in the area but a number of measures were taken immediately yesterday to mitigate any possible risk. Staff and contractors are now required to wear personal protective equipment, the areas have been fenced off and are being kept wet to ensure asbestos doesn’t become airborne through dust being blown around.”

The landfill is approved to accept materials that contain asbestos.

Monitoring equipment will be provided to staff and added to machinery, and we are working on a longer term solution.

“The asbestos is contained to mitigate the risk of it spreading further. There is no risk to the public, nearby properties or waterways.”

One of the two sites is a designated asbestos disposal site containing material from the Christchurch earthquake. The other site contains wet materials including street sweepings.

© Scoop Media