The former Rata Landfill was in the area of these trees on Putorino Rd, near Hunterville. Photo / Supplied
The former Rata Landfill was in the area of these trees on Putorino Rd, near Hunterville. Photo / Supplied
Contractors have begun working towards removing rubbish from a former landfill that was cut into when the Rangitīkei River changed its course in late 2018.
Rangitīkei District Council has contracted Central Demolition to remediate the former landfill, with consultancy WSP on hand to test soil and rubbish for contamination. Thework will cost $500,000 to $600,000.
Central Demolition managing director Ian Butcher said site preparation began in January.
His firm is moving offices and equipment to the site and setting up an area where the rubbish removed can sit, with a lined sediment pond to collect the potentially contaminated water that may run off it.
When that is complete contractors will install sheet piling around the site and begin pulling out rubbish. Butcher expects to find items like old car bodies.
If substances like asbestos and agricultural chemicals are found the plans will change, but he doesn't expect it.
"We have done test pits and found nothing like that," he said.
Contractors will begin pulling out rubbish by early March, and dispose of in Bonny Glen landfill. The job will be finished by the end of April, Butcher expects.
His company has already remediated landfills in Otaki and Levin, which were in the path of State Highway 1.
The landfill at the end of Putorino Rd started in the days of Rangitīkei County Council, and was known as Rata Landfill. It was used by Rata residents and rural people, Gordon said.
It could contain demolition material from a large factory, and former roading material. It covers an area of about 0.5ha, and has a volume of about 9200cu m.
It first appears in aerial photographs in 1975, when it was 300m away from the river. It was closed sometime between 1984 and 2004.
In late 2018 the Rangitīkei River changed course and cut into a former landfill at Putorino Rd. Photo / supplied
The Rangitīkei River changed course in late 2018 during a time of high flow. It cut into the landfill and downstream residents started finding rubbish in the river.
Horizons Regional Council then gave resource consent to divert the river away from the landfill.
