MEDIA STATEMENT

Contamination Investigation at Former Bankside World War II Fuel Depot Receives Government Funding

Environment Canterbury (ECan) and Selwyn Plantation Board Limited (SPBL) have welcomed the Government’s decision to provide funding of just over $100,000 towards the investigation of the former Bankside World War II fuel depot. 

ECan made the funding application to the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE) Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund (CSRF) on behalf of SPBL in April 2008.  The funding will assist with the investigation and clean up of the former fuel
“The former Bankside fuel depot has been used as an illegal dumping ground since the 1980s.  Waste materials include agrichemical and paint containers, car bodies and batteries, and a range of other forms of general domestic refuse.  The funding allocated will enable a detailed programme of investigative and remedial work to be prepared and executed,” said ECan contaminated sites team leader Brett Mongillo.

“The majority of the clean up, which may be in the order of several million dollars, will be funded by SPBL; along with the $100,000 allocation from the CSRF and a contribution from ECan towards investigation costs.  The project can now commence this year.” 

Brett Mongillo said that the risk to the environment from the contaminated waste was currently not completely understood and therefore required a thorough investigation following removal of the waste.   The site is listed as a Heritage Site in the Selwyn District Plan and recently received a Category II registration from the Historic Places Trust  The pit may become an historic visitor attraction in the future.

ends 

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