Mud tank testing underway

Dunedin (Friday, 4 May 2018) – Mud tank waste is being tested for asbestos following results showing low risk levels of asbestos at the Green Island Landfill.

Acting General Manager Infrastructure and Networks, Leanne Mash says, “As a precaution, the Dunedin City Council is testing mud tank waste and cleaning procedures have been adjusted to make sure contractors and the public are kept safe.”

Initial test results show the presence of some level of asbestos in a third of the 49 tanks sampled. Further testing is being done to determine the level of asbestos and related risk.

The DCC is taking advice from an independent expert and believes there is no significant risk to the general public.

“The asbestos risk is believed to be very low, but as a precaution to ensure contractor safety, a number of measures were put in place as soon as the issue was identified. As a short-term measure, this includes mud tanks only being cleaned when they’re blocked, although they are still being checked regularly.

“It is not expected this will cause any issues as the last audit, two months ago, showed 97% of mud tanks were clean. Once results are available and safety precautions have been re-assessed, an extra truck will be added to clean all mud tanks as needed.”

In the meantime, contractors are wearing protective equipment when cleaning mud tanks and the DCC is working with them to ensure they are following safe procedures, including proper cleaning and disposal techniques for any clothing and equipment used while cleaning mud tanks.

“We’re also taking the additional precaution of using a buffer zone around mud tanks while they’re being cleaned to ensure the public is well back from the area.”

The picture will be clearer when more test results are available. Following this, the safety precautions will be re-assessed.

“We weren’t previously aware of any asbestos in the mud tanks as it’s not usually tested for. We’re letting other councils know so they can check their own systems. We expect other cities may have the same issue as asbestos has historically been a widely used material.”

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