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Some people living next to an underground trash fire that has been burning for three months have been told to move out for fear of possible levels of dioxin in the air.
Waikato Regional Council staff visited residents in the Glen Afton and Pukemiro areas west of Huntly on Saturday to deliver a preventative health advisory to people living within two miles of the Puke construction and demolition landfill. Coal in Pukemiro.
A fire has been burning at the site since August and residents have long complained about the smell, with one resorting to driving down the road from home to sleep in his car.
A preliminary public health assessment on Friday indicated a possible increase in dioxin levels in the environment as a result of the landfill fire. The assessment was based on a report from ESR (the Institute for Environmental Science and Research) that made reference to a similar event abroad.
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The tests have not yet been conducted locally, as they require specialized equipment that is on the way from abroad. It was difficult to directly compare with the case abroad as the amount of plastic in the Puke Coal fire is unknown.
Acting Director of the Resource Use Council, Brent Sinclair, who is leading the response to the landfill fire, said the presence of dioxins had not been confirmed. But as a precautionary measure following the advice of the Waikato DHB public health unit, it was recommended that pregnant and lactating women stay out of the affected area, at least two miles from the fire site.
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Pukemiro residents Joy Adams, Peggy Molleman and Bill Rosoman say their lives have been cut short by the landfill fire.
“This is the recommendation of the Waikato DHB public health unit and is in place until environmental testing shows that dioxin levels are not elevated or until we know that the fire is out and is no longer a risk.”
The dioxin levels observed at the event abroad were considered a potential risk to the unborn and nursing babies. Although it has not been proven, the observed risk is related to possible fertility problems for a child once he has grown.
“If there is a potential risk, then we will take a precautionary response,” said Mr. Sinclair.
A team went door-to-door in the area surrounding the landfill on Saturday to make sure everyone understood the message.
CHRISTEL YARDLEY / Things
Residents of Pukemiro and Glen Afton have health concerns about the Puke Coal Landfill fire, which has been burning for months.
The area is not densely populated and the guide is expected to apply only to a small number of people.
Waikato District Council Executive Director Gavin Ion said the welfare response team advised some members of the Pukemiro and Glen Afton communities to find other housing.
“This is a precautionary approach because we promised the community that we would do our best,” Ion said.
“We have acted quickly on the recommendation of the public health unit because we said that as soon as we had new information to share, we would. We recognize that this can cause stress to our communities, but we want to make sure it stays safe.
“Those moving to another location for the time being are asked to call the Waikato District Council on 0800 492 452. For those who have no friends or family to stay with, please let the Council know and we will assist them. Waikato Tainui has said that they are also here to help and are raising their 0800 TAINUI number. “
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Peggy Molleman sometimes sleeps in her car to escape the smell of the garbage fire at the Puke Coal landfill.
Sinclair also acknowledged the stress the community had suffered since the fire broke out.
“We know this cautionary note will not help with the stress you are experiencing. Remember though, our advice has always been to stay away from smoke and odor, and that message sticks with everyone. “
The Waikato Regional Council has been monitoring airborne inhalable particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Glen Afton and Pukemiro and the results have been within the World Health Organization guidelines.
The Waikato Regional Council, with the support of the Waikato District Council, has an ongoing formal investigation into possible violations of the Resource Management Act (RMA) in relation to the landfill. Two reduction notices have been sent to the landfill owner.
