17 Jun 2009

Dioxin contaminated soil moved to Taranaki landfill

9:05 am on 17 June 2009

Nearly 200 cubic metres of soil contaminated with dioxin has been removed from a New Plymouth playground.

The dioxin was found in rusted-out drums in Marfell Park during excavations.

The Taranaki Regional Council confirmed last week that the drums contained dioxin.

Environment director Gary Bedford told Morning Report on Wednesday that 180 cubic meters of soil has been moved to the regional landfill in Colson Road.

Mr Bedford says the landfill is designed to ensure none of the dioxin can leach into ground-water.

He says tests of water run-off at Marfell Park have revealed no contamination but an independent assessment will be done, to allay the fears of nearby residents.