Dumps investigated

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 389, 4 June 1991, Page 9

Dumps investigated

Investigations of dumps and landfills in the region to ensure that the water rights are held for all those that need them is to be carried out. The Mangawatu- Wanganui Regional Council is also to identify one or two safe sites for hazardous wastes such as pesticides, electroplating wastes, and used timber treatment chemicals. Co-disposal of special wastes will be co-ordi-nated by the Regional Council in association with the affected City and District councils. Investigators will be looking at the run off from dumps, what comes out of the bottom of them in terms of leachate and then at

eliminating the health risk associated with poorly run dumps. The area Health Board has expressed concern about half of the 52 dumps in the region because the operation is not up to standard and in some cases could pose a health risk. They are concerned about the presence of vermin and low temperature burning which releases toxic chemicals. Stage two of the Regional Waste Management Strategy will be the discussion with City and District Councils of the viability of proposals for separation of waste material at landfill sites and transfer stations to allow for increased recycling. This

provision of satisfactory disposal methods, comprehensive licensing of all aspects of landfill management and promotion of waste minimisation techniques. will be carried out in conjunction with the publication of a booklet. Stage three of the two to three year programme will include waste audits within industry, increased emphasis on