Dump Levin’s dump?

The future of the Levin Landfill hangs in the balance as people are asked for their opinions on what should happen to the controversial site.

The Levin Landfill has caused concerns over the years because of the smell wafting over neighbouring properties and leachate soaking into the Hokio Stream from the landfill.

The Horowhenua District Council wants to develop a mediumterm strategy for the landfill as part of the consultation on its draft waste minimisation and management plan.

The council has three options for the landfill’s future: closing it, using it for Horowhenua’s waste only, and continuing with the status quo

Currently, the it is used to dispose of about 15,000 tonnes of waste from Ka¯ piti each year under a contract that expires in 2021.

On top of that, about 83 per cent of the 18,000 tonnes of waste Horowhenua generates each year ends up in Levin Landfill.

If the landfill is closed, nonrecyclable waste from Horowhenua would have to be taken to another landfill outside the district.

Council environmental engineer Ryan Hughes said the closure option raised other factors for consideration, including the increased carbon footprint of transporting waste a greater distance, disposal charges and long-term security of access. There were also cost to consider.

If the landfill was used exclusively for waste produced inhorowhenua, the council would need to consider the loss of revenue from disposal of Ka¯piti’s waste.

This revenue subsidises recycling services in Horowhenua.

If the status quo continued, the landfill was expected to be full by 2030. Cost estimates for the three options ranged from nothing to a $2.5 million hit if the landfill closed.

The council is seeking feedback about the three options until April 10.