Mark Patterson

New Zealand First List MP

Based in Clutha-Southland
27 September 2018

The $4 million deal signed in Southland to dispose of toxic ouvea premix stored on a number of locations throughout the province has been welcomed by NZ First MP Mark Patterson.

“There has been a committed effort by all the parties involved, including the Gore and Southland District Councils, Invercargill City, the Ministry for the Environment and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) to reach a satisfactory solution to what has been a lingering problem,” Mark Patterson said.

“What is important now is to ensure that the public will never again be placed in a position of having to step in and rescue the situation.

“It’s essential that any future arrangements by NZAS for disposal of Aluminium dross are with reputable firms that have the ability to deliver on their commitments,” he said.

Mr Patterson also said that it is vital that the handling and transport of the material was carried out to the highest safety standards possible.

The ouvea premix, which is an aluminium manufacturing byproduct, was left in the former paper mill at Mataura and at other sites around Southland, after Taha Asia Pacific went into liquidation in August 2016. Its contract with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters to process the ouvea premix expired and was not renewed.

ENDS

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