Environmental watchdog considers next steps for Greymouth landfill
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMajon
An investigation by an environmental watchdog has carried out interviews and gathered evidence from a controversial private landfill near Greymouth.
The West Coast Regional Council announced on January 12 it had asked the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to take over the compliance investigation of TaylorvilLe Resource Park at Coal Creek, 5km east of Greymouth.
A team of up to six people from the EPA in Wellington had visited the landfill site to gather evidence by the end of January.
EPA investigations manager Jackie Adams said they were reviewing and considering all the information and consents they had gathered "to inform our next steps".
"Since the EPA started the investigation, we have visited the site, conducted interviews, and have been gathering other evidence to inform the investigation," he said.
"As part of this process, we have also collected multiple water samples during different weather conditions and had these analysed."
Adams did not say what the next steps would be, but EPA would make a statement in due course.
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Darryl Lew told councillors on January 29 it would be for the EPA to determine a final resolution, pending the investigation.
He said the EPA's investigation on the site's compliance was "the most complex" under council's watch.
The council called in the organisation after a string of environmental complaints about the site in 2023.
Allegations included water from landfill pits leaching into a roadside drain, dust allegedly containing asbestos, and an obnoxious pong emanating from the site. The later forced nearby residents to stay indoors and keep their windows closed.
The Grey District Council and local residents also raised concerns with the regional council not considering them affected parties to the original non-notified consents process in 2021-22.
The district council was primarily worried by a potential risk of the landfill compromising the adjoining Greymouth water treatment plant.
WorkSafe is also investigating the landfill after two workers were injured at the site.
On August 3, two landfill workers were also overcome by noxious gas within one of the dump cells.
One man was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition.
The site was cleared by WorkSafe later in August to allow work to resume on the site, pending its ongoing investigation.
On February 27, WorkSafe said its investigation remained ongoing and could take up to 12 months to complete.
WorkSafe said its own investigation did not cross over with that of the EPA.
Lew on January 29 also noted council's own reassessment of the consents for the site is ongoing.
In mid-2023 independent reviewer Enviser slammed council's approach to resource consenting as reliant on "a tick box exercise".
LDR has approached Taylorville Resource Park several times offering it the opportunity to respond.
The site was consented amid a genuine call in the area for landfill space to take demolition material after new seismic requirements anticipated increased demolitions.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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