Site investigation planned as asbestos confirmed

A remediation plan is being developed after asbestos-containing building materials, likely used as infill many years ago, surfaced on a coastal walking track in Timaru in February.

Update: Clean-up options being explored

Since the initial discovery, the owner of surrounding land has completed an in-depth site investigation which confirmed the levels of exposed asbestos require remediation.This will be followed up with an engineering assessment which will be used to develop the remediation plan.

Environment Canterbury continues to work with the property owner and other stakeholders in this process.

Meanwhile, the pathway north of Smithfield Beach remains closed.

Suspected asbestos sparks temporary closure

On Friday (8 February 2019) the coastal path was closed after a member of the public contacted Environment Canterbury saying they believed there was exposed asbestos along the pathway. As a result, Environment Canterbury sent a staff member to investigate and samples were taken to determine what the substance was.

Meanwhile, the Timaru District Council shut the path in the interests of public safety. A map of the closed area can be found here.

Samples confirm asbestos contamination

Environment Canterbury South Canterbury Manager Justin McLauchlan confirmed that the two samples had been confirmed as containing asbestos.

Landowners Alliance Group are contracting an independent qualified soil contamination scientist to undertake a detailed site investigation. While this occurs, the affected section of the coastal path will need to remain closed.

McLauchlan said: “The results of the upcoming site investigation will give us much more information, including the likely origin of the asbestos if there are any other contaminants at the site and a much clearer idea of the environmental impact.”

“We are taking this investigation very seriously and the process will be thorough, which also means it will take some time to complete. We will keep the public updated on timeframes and other key information.”

Environmental Canterbury has been guiding Alliance on the process that now needs to occur under the Resource Management Act and National Environmental Standards for Contaminated Soil, the first step of which is the detailed site investigation.

We have consulted with the Canterbury District Health Board who advised that there are no health risks associated with the asbestos entering the water and mahinga kai/food gathering. Further sampling is being carried out and we will work closely with the health board to ensure the public are informed of any health risks.