Anger of Auckland Harbor Bridge residents at pollution

By Jordan Bond, RNZ

An Auckland woman who lives near the harbor bridge is angry and shocked people were never told the neighboring land was contaminated with heavy metals from the bridge.

RNZ revealed that the Transportation Agency has known since 2010 that its bridge maintenance contaminated the Stokes Point Preserve with lead, zinc and copper.

The levels were high, but a health assessment found they were likely to be “within an acceptable health risk.”

The Auckland Council said an independent study found that there was no ongoing human health risk, so there was no need to inform the public about the contamination.

Jay and Brian Holloway have been living in their picture-postcard home with 180-degree views over the harbor for 40 years.

The house is almost directly under the bridge and overlooks the area in question: Stokes Pt Reserve.

Jay Holloway isn’t happy they weren’t told about the contamination, but it’s no surprise authorities didn’t bother telling him.

“It’s quite worrying that they didn’t tell us. But obviously they wouldn’t because they had to do something about it,” he said.

“It’s just the feeling that we are little people and it doesn’t matter.”

She’s okay with car fumes because they knew what they were buying into.

“But I feel like this is a bit more devious. Specifically, they haven’t told us anything they know.”

Her husband Brian is not so worried. He cultivates a lot and manipulates the land and says that it is fine.

“I just don’t think it’s such a serious problem.”

Another couple told RNZ that they had contacted their attorney but did not want to say much more, except that the problem was “big” and they did not want to prejudge any legal action.

Another resident who did not want to be identified was furious that he was not told about the contamination and disappointed that he had not heard anything from the agencies involved, but only from news reports.

Northcote National Congressman Dan Bidois said he had already heard from several upset locals.

“They are deeply concerned and want answers, which is why I am requesting a public inquiry into this matter to find out what happened and who knew what.”

The Auckland Council said it conducted an independent risk assessment in 2011, which found no health risks.

“The Auckland Council conducted a comprehensive and independent human health risk assessment for Stokes Point in 2011, which found no ongoing public health risks. An additional study in 2013 supported this. Since there was no risk, there was no there was a need to notify anyone or record anything in the property files, “said Regulatory Services Council Director Craig Hobbs.

A small area outside the reservation had elevated levels of contaminants and needed work to make it safe, which was done at the time, Hobbs said.

Privately owned land has not been tested. Hobbs said that if owners are concerned, they could call in an independent expert to investigate.

A spokesperson for the Waka Kotahi Transport Agency said their 2010 data and summary were provided to the Auckland Council, and also reported to Auckland Regional Public Health.

“The council, as the regulator, determines whether the public should be warned of the presence of contamination,” the agency said.

In any case, some people on the street, including the Holloways, will be removed in six months, as their houses have been acquired for the construction of the bridge’s pedestrian and bicycle route.

– RNZ