Media Release 13 September 2011

Christchurch Residents Dumped On

Papanui residents gathered tonight to voice their concern over plans to establish an earthquake demolition waste dump in a residential area. A copy of the application was passed to the group earlier in the day.

Group spokesperson George Kear said “it's outrageous that the community has still not been formally notified that this is planned for an established residential area. There will be thousands of people affected who are still unaware that this proposed dump is right on their doorstep.”
The site borders onto the local primary school, and there are many pre schools and retirement complexes in close proximity.

Residents are extremely worried about health impacts. Spokesperson David Moorhouse added “What's in the rubble! The application gives us no confidence that the rubble will not contain asbestos or other harmful substances, that will leach into our water supply, and blow around with the prevailing winds”

The land in question had previously been investigated for residential development.

Mr Kear said “This land was deemed unsuitable for residential development due to unstable peaty soils, high water table and many natural aquifers. It is ridiculous to think you could consider an industrial operation of this type and scale on this site.”

Parliament passed the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011 with the purpose “to enable community participation in the planning of the recovery of affected communities” The purpose of the Act does not provide for these these powers to establish a new business with such major implications without adequate consultation.

Mr Moorhouse said “Residents have had enough stress from the events of the last 12 months without having to worry about being dumped on”. He added “It is blatant misuse to short circuit the democratic consultation process that would normally be required to establish this type of activity.”

Ends

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