A little asbestos found at landfill

LOWRISK levels of asbestos have been found at two sites within the Green Island landfill.

Group manager waste and environmental Chris Henderson said testing was undertaken at the landfill recently due to concerns about stability at one of the sites.

This found asbestos levels of between less than 0.001% and 0.076%. The acceptable level is 0.001%.

The asbestos was contained in two small areas, not publicly accessible, that are restricted to landfill staff and approved commercial businesses.

‘‘The level of asbestos detected presents a low risk to those working in the area but a number of measures were taken immediately [on Thursday] to mitigate any possible risk.

‘‘Staff and contractors are now required to wear personal protective equipment. The areas have been fenced off and are being kept wet to ensure asbestos doesn’t become airborne through dust being blown around,’’ Mr Henderson said.

The landfill was approved to accept materials that contain asbestos.

Monitoring equipment would also be provided to staff and added to machinery, and the council was working on a longerterm solution.

‘‘The asbestos is contained to mitigate the risk of it spreading further. There is no risk to the public, nearby properties or waterways.’’

One of the two sites is a designated asbestos disposal site containing material from the Christchurch earthquake. The other site contains wet materials, including street sweepings.