Asbestos confirmed on walkway
As investigations into an asbestos contaminated Timaru coastal walkway continue, authorities are assuring the public that food gathering in the area is not risky.
Asbestos was confirmed at the coastal path, north of Smithfield Beach yesterday and will remain closed while an investigation of the site continues.
The section of path was closed on Friday because of fears of exposed asbestos in the area after Environment Canterbury was tipped off by a member of the public.
It is the second coastal walkway to be closed to the public because of contamination fears with the Saltwater Creek walkway at the southern end of Timaru closed since November.
ECan South Canterbury manager Justin McLauchlan said yesterday two samples from the site had been confirmed as containing asbestos.
The samples were found on the rocky shore near the coastal path, he said.
McLauchlan said ECan has consulted with the Canterbury District Health Board who have advised there are no health risks associated with the asbestos entering water and mahinga kai/food gathering.
‘‘Further sampling is being carried out and we will work closely with the health board to ensure the public are informed of any health risks.
‘‘We cannot yet say how long this investigation will take. We will update the public when we have more information on time lines.’’
He said the landowner, Alliance Group, is contracting an independent qualified soil contamination scientist to undertake a detailed site investigation.
‘‘While this occurs, the affected section of the coastal path will need to remain closed.’’
McLauchlan said results of the upcoming site investigation ‘‘will give us much more information, including the likely origin of the asbestos, if there are any other contaminants at the site and a much clearer idea of the environmental impact’’.
‘‘We are taking this investigation very seriously and the process will be thorough, which also means it will take some time to complete.
‘‘We will keep the public updated on timeframes and other key information,’’ he said.
ECan has been guiding Alliance on the process that now needs to occur under the Resource Management Act and National Environmental Standards for Contaminated Soil, the first step of which is the detailed site investigation, McLauchlan said.