Pollution Hotline Ran Hot
Environment Canterbury’s Pollution Hotline was inundated with a large number of calls this morning, from people
concerned about the strong smell of burning plastic.
New Zealand Plastic Recycling premises, in Kaikaanui Street, Kaiapoi has been completely destroyed by a fire that broke
out at about 3.30am.
Fortunately a stiff north east breeze blew the toxic smoke away from neighboring houses, says ECan’s Enforcement Team
Leader, Tony Smith.
“Our main concern was to contain the run-off from the large volume of water, used to put out the fire, from entering the
Kaikaanui Stream.” he says.
Mr Smith says”diverting the water via the stormwater system into a retention pond over the road met with limited success
due to the large quantity.
The water contains tiny plastic beads, a by-product of the recycling process.
Samples from the stream have been taken and we expect results early in the New Year”
ENDS