9 Nov 2013

Asbestos found at demolished site in central Christchurch

4:44 pm on 9 November 2013

Asbestos has been discovered on the proposed site of Christchurch's new central city bus interchange.

Preliminary testing has found isolated traces of the hazardous substance on unoccupied land between Lichfield Street and Struthers Lane.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) says surface testing shows three asbestos hotspots on the Government-owned land, where buildings have been demolished.

It says all necessary steps have been taken to contain the area to prevent any exposure to the public.

That includes fencing and the use of sprinklers to keep down dust.

More testing is being carried out, which will lead to a plan being made to remediate the land.

CERA says the adjoining former Christchurch City Council offices on Tuam Street will be demolished soon and specialist work will be done to remove any hazardous material beforehand.