27 Aug 2009

Residents remain cautious about park

10:48 am on 27 August 2009

People living near Marfell Park in New Plymouth say they will remain cautious about contamination at the former landfill, even though a report shows it does not pose a health risk.

An investigation was commissioned by Taranaki Regional Council after drums containing remnants of toxic chemicals were unearthed in May.

Soil samples from around the park were analysed, and all found to be well within safety guidelines.

Resident Mark Smith says the report has probably allayed people's concerns about health risks from the site but questions about the long-term risks of contamination remain unanswered.

Dr Graeme Proffitt, who conducted the investigation, says the site is safe and if he had young children he would be happy for them to play there.