Local closed landfill gets capped to help environment

The closed landfill at Seddon Fields in Westmere is being capped to reduce pollutants from the landfill entering Motions Creek when stormwater is absorbed into the ground.

Grant Ockleston, manager stormwater projects at Auckland City’s Utility Planning group, says the capping will help improve water quality in Motions Creek.

“If water seeps into the ground at a closed landfill site, it can create leachate. Leachate pollutes the surrounding environment so it is important that we look at ways to halt stormwater entering the landfill. Capping the site with clay will mean water cannot get into the ground as easily,” says Mr Ockleston.

Mr Ockleston said local residents may notice more truck activity in the area.

“Forty thousand cubic metres of clay is needed to cap the area. Trucks have so far delivered 15,000 cubic metres, which is being stockpiled and placed on the surface of the landfill as weather permits. The amount of material needed means there will be a lot of trucks making deliveries.”

Deliveries are likely to continue until the end of April, when the construction season ends. Depending on weather conditions, further work may be required next season.

Auckland City owns and manages 44 closed landfills, used over the past 50 years to dispose of domestic and commercial waste from throughout the city.

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