3 October 2005

Decision on review of Exide Technologies’lead battery recycling plant

The imposition of a newly enforceable limit on the level of lead in air is a significant outcome of the review of Exide Technologies’ lead battery recycling plant.

Enforceable limits on lead discharges to air for all fugitive discharges The requirement for Exide to continuously monitor discharges for lead and arsenic All monitoring is to be undertaken by independently qualified experts The requirement for Exide to complete several major plant upgrades within nine months – to further reduce general emissions Exide to produce and distribute a quarterly community newsletter And if required, Greater Wellington can review the consent again in 18 months.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Consents Department Manager, Nigel Corry is extremely pleased there will now be enforceable limits on all discharges from the site. Mr Corry stated the review also addressed the issue of ongoing communication with the local community and this would be improved as a result of the review.

“Greater Wellington will be regularly posting monitoring results on their website to make it easier for the community to see how Exide is performing. A quarterly newsletter will also be prepared and circulated by Exide to interested members of the community.”

Chris Turver, Chairman of the Hearing Committee says council has always remained focussed on addressing any possible health concerns promptly - “Greater Wellington initiated the review and has been pleased that we have engaged successfully with the community to address issues focussed around discharges from the Exide plant.”

Cr Turver concedes review processes like this one are never easy, especially the highly technical and complex nature of the Exide review. “It’s a credit to all involved that the many technicalities did not cloud the very real concerns and how best to address these.”

Under the Resource Management Act (1991), the applicant or any submitter now has the right to lodge an appeal with the Environment Court within 15 days of receipt of the decision.

ENDS

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