Pollution Hotline Ran Hot

Environment Canterbury’s Pollution Hotline was inundated with a large number of calls this morning, from people concerned about the strong smell of burning plastic.

New Zealand Plastic Recycling premises, in Kaikaanui Street, Kaiapoi has been completely destroyed by a fire that broke out at about 3.30am.

Fortunately a stiff north east breeze blew the toxic smoke away from neighboring houses, says ECan’s Enforcement Team Leader, Tony Smith.

“Our main concern was to contain the run-off from the large volume of water, used to put out the fire, from entering the Kaikaanui Stream.” he says.

Mr Smith says”diverting the water via the stormwater system into a retention pond over the road met with limited success due to the large quantity.

The water contains tiny plastic beads, a by-product of the recycling process.

Samples from the stream have been taken and we expect results early in the New Year”

ENDS

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