Current Projects

Background Concentrations of Trace Elements in Canterbury Soils

In order for a site to be classified as ‘not contaminated’ in the Listed Land Use Register, a suitably detailed site assessment must indicate that no contaminants associated with past or current land uses are present on the site or that the site has been remediated to, or below, background levels for selected contaminants.  Certain trace elements are naturally present in soil and information on the background levels of these trace elements in soils is necessary when assessing whether a site has been contaminated. 

Environment Canterbury has recently completed a survey of background concentrations of trace elements in the major soil groups in the Canterbury region. A final report has been produced along with two fact-sheets on how to compare your own site against the report. The report is available on the website and from Customer Services shortly.  Results of the study are also available on the our GIS Mapping Service (old version).

Lead Contamination from Gun and Clay Target Clubs

An investigation into clay target clubs undertaken by Environment Canterbury in 1997 identified thirteen former gun and clay target club sites in Canterbury, and demonstrated that fallen lead shot has caused soil contamination at all of the sites sampled.  Based on the results of this investigation, a 300 metre ‘shot fall zone’ was calculated as being representative of the pattern of lead distribution at clay target club sites.  Due to the potential for lead contamination to have occurred as a result of fallen lead shot, the properties within this zone need to be identified and recorded so that risks can be managed.

Environment Canterbury has been investigating the potential for lead contamination in properties adjacent to a former clay target club in Christchurch.  The former Belfast club is the first clay target club to be included on the Listed Land Use Register, and the remaining twelve Canterbury clubs and associated neighbouring properties will follow.

Environment Canterbury has also produced a report on the potential for PAH contamination associated with clay target clubs. These reports will be available on the website soon. 

Potential Contamination of Horticultural Land in Canterbury

In 2005, Environment Canterbury commissioned a scoping study into the contamination of horticultural land in Canterbury. This study identified contaminants of concern and recommended areas which should be prioritised in terms of the further investigation of sites with historic horticultural use.  We are currently working on a strategy for the further investigation of sites in areas such as Loburn, Ashburton, Geraldine, Waimate.

The identification and risk screening of sites with land uses included on the Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) in the Hurunui District

Environment Canterbury's Long Term Council Community Plan 2006 - 16 introduced a level of service as follows:

• Identifying contaminated sites and requiring those with responsibility for the contamination to remediate or mitigate the effects.

The measure associated with this level of service is:

• the number of territorial authorities with activities listed on the Hazardous Activities and Industries List has been identified, registered on the Listed Land Use Register and screened for risk.

In 2006/07, sites which have accommodated HAIL activities in the Hurunui district are being identified and risk screened.

This project will also help us meet an objective of the proposed Natural Resources Regional Plan which is to identify all sites with a past or present land use listed on the MfE’s HAIL, and to assess the level of risk they pose to human health and the environment.