MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 20 June 2005
Soil testing results good news for more Sandilands residents
The results of further soil testing at 13 Sandilands properties have revealed that all contaminants are within
acceptable levels.
Christchurch City Council has advised residents of the results and their property files (Land Information Memorandums or
LIMs) will be adjusted to say their soil meets acceptable criteria.
The properties were initially among 93 properties on the former Sandilands landfill site that were tested for soil
contaminants last year. Of these, 81 have now been found to meet acceptable standards and 12 have been recommended for
remedial work.
"To find now that only 12 properties in the area are being recommended for remediation is a great result for the people
living at Sandilands," Christchurch City Council Environmental Effects team leader Klaus Prusas said.
The Council's benchmarks for acceptable standards at Sandilands have been that every property be safe for families,
young and old, and that residents be able to confidently eat homegrown vegetables. "The extra laboratory tests on soil
from the 13 properties were needed to be sure that these benchmarks had been met," Mr Prusas said.
The Council has applied to the Ministry for the Environment ( MfE) for funding assistance to carry out work on the
Sandilands properties that have been recommended for remediation.
ENDS