Friday 30 October 2015

Council action taken following ground testing

Christchurch City Council has taken immediate action to cordon sites that tested positive for asbestos at Kyle Park, Hornby.

The sites, currently comprised of trees and plantings, underwent recent asbestos testing by Council contractors. Results show evidence of asbestos fibres present in the soil where the gardens are situated.

The sites are located on the perimeter of the park and are not areas where sporting activity takes place.

Parks Unit Manager Andrew Rutledge says the Council has taken several steps to remediate the sites.

"Temporary fencing has been erected around the sites to minimise any soil disturbance. We are asking that all people adhere to this fencing and refrain from entering these areas.

"Standard practice when asbestos is identified in this situation is to secure the site and cover it to prevent any movement or disturbance to the soil. In this instance, this involves covering the affected area with geotextile cloth. A thick layer of mulch will then be added to return the area to a garden state.

"We will be carrying out regular monitoring going forward to ensure the quality of the mulch remains intact and no further issues arise."

Mr Rutledge says further precautionary testing in the remaining areas of the park will be carried out.

"The only testing so far in the sports field has shown no sign of asbestos, but we are taking a precautionary and prudent approach to testing to ensure we have full understanding of the park's soil makeup. We currently have no evidence to justify full closure of the park."

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says, “It is good to see the Christchurch City Council taking prompt action to remediate the site, despite the risk to park users being close to zero. Community and Public Health will be taking a close interest in the monitoring results.”

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