Spicer Landfill

METHANE DANGER The Kapi-Mana News’ front page story on September 29 created a huge stir.

A leaked report on the Spicer Landfill by Auckland-based company Aecom, on behalf of Porirua landfill operator EnviroWaste Services, mentioned high levels of hydrogen sulfide, biosolids delivered to the landfill exceeding good practice guidelines for moisture content, and problems with the gas wells.

Methane concentrations exceeded safe levels at 29 locations and, in four places, methane was found to be bubbling through ponded water or within stormwater channels.

Our story was picked up by several national media outlets, putting the spotlight on the landfill and its operation.

Previously, we had run stories on the ‘‘rotten egg smell’’ that pervaded Tawa in certain conditions, and still persist. Residents complained of nausea and other problems, and the effect the situation was having on dining outside and on house prices.

To many living within smelling distance of Broken Hill Rd, the Aecom report was a vindication of many months of lamenting about the plight they were suffering.

One woman told us she was sick of her bedroom smelling like the tip face and the vile smell she faced when walking out her door some days.

She eventually sold and moved to another suburb.

Another resident, Steve Story, said he was reluctant to invite friends over because of the odour.

A report issued this month by consultants Beca noted the number of smell complaints has dropped in the past eight weeks and better measures had been put in place to combat the situation.

Daily monitoring was being carried out, the filling area had been redesigned and extra cover had been put over the waste area.

A joint Wellington and Porirua City Council landfill committee will consider the Beca findings early in 2016.

Wellington Regional Council will continue to post complaints made about the landfill on its website.