Council moves quickly on old landfill exposure

The Gore District Council is moving quickly to prevent any harmful effects from the exposure of an old landfill site.

Last week’s floodwaters scoured the banks of the Waikaka Stream, exposing the old Gore landfill, just upstream from Hamilton Park.

Chief Executive Stephen Parry said the Council is aware of the issue and is working closely with Environment Southland and environmental experts to deal with it as quickly and effectively as possible.

“Our top priority is to stop movement of any landfill material from the site. We are urgently assessing what action is needed both in the short and long term to stabilise the stream banks and prevent any harmful effects,” Mr Parry said.

“Some river clean-up will also be needed to remove visible landfill materials. If anyone sees debris that needs to be removed, please contact us on 03 209 0330 so we can deal with it.”

The old Gore landfill was closed in 2005.