Media Release 16 September 2011

Waste Company Exploits Loophole

Information emerged today that American waste operator Ceres, is trying to exploit a loophole in the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery regulations.

Community spokesperson David Moorhouse said “the legislation passed in March was intended to help Christchurch recover from the earthquake. Now we have an overseas company attempting to use it to set up a hazardous disruptive industrial operation near to homes and schools.”

Other demolition operators are working within the normal planning process to deal with earthquake waste.

Spokesperson George Kear said “Local companies are being good corporate citizens and are working to minimise harm to residents by operating within the Resource Management Act ”.

The most likely route for trucks transporting debris was also revealed.

Mr Moorhouse said “ dump trucks exiting the site will not return down Cranford St. Instead they will complete their journey by travelling via Main North and Papanui Roads, passing through Northlands and Merivale, which already have severe traffic congestion.”

It emerged that insurance policies may also be partly to blame.

Mr Kear said that “most demolition policies only pay for one trip by truck. If a processing plant was set up in the CBD close to the demolition site, that one free trip would be used up. The building owner would then have to pay for transport to the final disposal site.”

The community has organised a public meeting on Thursday (22 September) where experts in health, environment and planning issues will provide answers to residents concerns.

Ends

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