Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Burwood residents want asbestos dumped elsewhere

Updated at 12:27 pm on 16 May 2012

Plans to dump thousands of tonnes of asbestos in Christchurch's Burwood landfill are worrying nearby residents who say it should be taken to a more isolated spot.

The Christchurch City Council and Transwaste are seeking consents to dispose of about 5000 tonnes of the lethal material found in the city's earthquake-damaged waste pipes.

The chair of the Burwood/Pegasus community board says while the council reassured residents the asbestos would be contained in bags before it is taken to the landfill, there is still a chance of accidental exposure.

Linda Stewart says residents bordering the landfill would like the asbestos to be dumped at the more rural Kate Valley landfill in North Canterbury.

The council's water and waste unit manager, Mark Christison, says after hearing the concerns of locals the material's disposal at the Burwood landfill will be reconsidered.

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