Illegally dumped waste has been cleared from a site along the South Wairarapa coast at an enormous cost to the Council and ratepayers.
The work took place between Tuesday 27 May and Friday 13 June and was carried out with the assistance of the Environmental Protection Authority, and Police. Due to the site’s inaccessible location specialist abseil contractors were hired.
“Dumping this incredible 26 tonnes of waste is enormously irresponsible and disappointing” says South Wairarapa District Council Chief Executive, Janice Smith, particularly as the scrap metal, whitewear, and bikes can be disposed of for free at transfer stations across the South Wairarapa.
The overall cost came in at approximately $145,000, approximately $50,000 less than originally forecast.
This illegal dump site was situated along Cape Palliser Road on the edge of a forestry block. It was cleared on an urgent recommendation from the Environmental Protection Authority. The car that was recovered has been referred to the responsible insurance company. Other items with identifiable names and addresses have been passed onto the Council’s regulatory team to follow up. The site has now been blocked off and security cameras installed.
Why illegal dumping is a serious issue
- Discarded waste can pose dangers to people, especially when it contains harmful materials such as glass, metal and hazardous matter.
- Cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish is expensive for councils and ratepayers.
- Abandoned waste can damage ecosystems; pollute waterways, harm wildlife and degrade soil and plant life.
- Dumping has a negative impact on the community and can lower the appeal of neighbourhoods.
The site is now permanently blocked off with security cameras in place to monitor it.
