Quarry neighbours forced to wear face masks

Families living by a Christchurch quarry have been told to wear masks after health officials discovered the quarry’s dust poses a serious long-term health risk.

For the residents of a rural area of Yaldhurst made up of leafy lifestyle blocks, air pollution has been a concern for several years. Dust has coated their homes, gardens, cars and pets.

Two recent independent tests showed the dust was a serious long-term health risk. It contains crystalline silica, which can cause lung cancer and silicosis, an irreversible disease, over a long period. It confirmed the residents’ worst fears about the dust they have been breathing for years.

One has been prescribed an inhaler; others have symptoms of bronchitis and shortness of breath.

Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Alistair Humphrey recently confirmed some residents had symptoms consistent with silica exposure.

For Anna Youngman, who moved to the area to retire, the dust issue has been all-consuming.

The dust was ‘‘killing us’’, she said. ‘‘We’re not moaning because we don’t like quarries. Business is business. But when your life’s on the line, you’ll speak.’’

Both tests – one commissioned by residents, the other by Environment Canterbury (Ecan) – showed the dust was 30 per cent silica.

‘‘You come home from a place like China and you think thank God I live in a country that’s clean and green with fresh air,’’ Youngman said. ‘‘This is worse.’’

Dr Kelvin Duncan, an independent microbiologist and former dean of science at Canterbury University, said he was alarmed when he learned about the situation.

‘‘This quarry would not exist anywhere else in New Zealand, let alone the world, that close to a major facility like a road and residences,’’ he said.

‘‘I came out here for five minutes, saw what they [the quarry] were doing, and thought this was unacceptable and a serious health risk.’’

The quarry, run by Winstone Aggregates, got permission in 2015 to expand. It is now within 90 metres of one house and 150m from several others.

The quarry’s aggregate is in high demand due to the rebuild.

Christchurch’s city plan has no requirement for setback distances from quarries but Ministry for the Environment guidelines recommend a setback distance of 500m from those containing crystalline silica.

Some countries, such as India and Pakistan, insist on a 1-kilometre minimum setback.

‘‘It’s just bizarre that we have to wear dust masks,’’ resident Annell Mcdonagh said.

Ecan has committed to a new testing regime to ensure dust does not leave the quarry’s boundaries.

The quarry managers said they took health and safety seriously and were working to improve dust management procedures.