Contaminated Land

Historic and/or current land uses may result in the contamination of soil, and in some cases groundwater.  A site is considered contaminated when hazardous substances are present in the soil or water at levels that pose a threat to human health and/or the environment.  If a site is contaminated the health of people who live, work or visit there may be in danger.  The environment may also be adversely affected.

A site may become contaminated from hazardous substances stored, used or manufactured there, particularly if spilt or dumped inappropriately.  In the Tasman District land used for the following activities is considered particularly vulnerable.  These identified land uses are based on a national Hazardous Activity and Industries List (HAIL) produced by the Ministry for the Environment. 

  • Chemical timber preservation (timber treatment sites)
  • Landfills and historic rubbish tips
  • Pre 1970’s orchard land
  • Sheep dips
  • Underground fuel storage facilities
  • Pesticide and agrichemical manufacturing and storage
  • Industrial land (engineering works, scrap yards etc.)

Many of the contaminants of concern such as pesticides, pentachlorophenols (PCP), benzene, arsenic or heavy metals can cause cancer or other long term illnesses.  Some of the contaminants can concentrate in the food chain, poisoning fish, birds and ultimately, the people and other animals that eat them.

Council has a responsibility to investigate and control any adverse effects from hazardous substances or contamination during development, subdivision or use of land.  The risks and the way contaminated sites are managed varies.  Generally sites are managed by:

  • Maintaining an inventory of the status of potentially contaminated land in the District (Site Contamination Register).
  • Restricting the range of land uses able to occur at contaminated sites.
  • Capping contaminated soil to isolate the contamination from rain, wind and people.
  • Treating or removing  the most contaminated soils.

Actions to Minimise Impact From Contaminated Soils

Several actions can be taken to minimise the chance of contact with contaminant residues that may be in the soil.

Changes of Land Use and Contaminated Land

Some things to consider when a land use change is contemplated for potentially contaminated land.

Government Funding to Remediate Contaminated Land

Funding from Central Government to remediate contaminated land can be obtained in some cases.

Historic Pesticide Contamination

Agricultural and horticultural practises have included the use of various pesticides and agrichemicals. Some of these chemicals can persist in the environment and hazardous residues can build up and remain in soils.

Former Sheep Dip Sites

Contaminated land may be present around former sheep dip sites. Fact sheets are available to advise how to best manage such sites.

Purchasing a Property That May be Contaminated

Some things to consider if you are about to purchasing a property that may be contaminated.

Site Contamination Register

Council's inventory of known contamination and land where hazardous activities and industries are, or have, been undertaken.

The Former Fruit Growers Chemical Company Site at Mapua

Prior to its clean up, the former Fruit Growers Chemical Company site at Mapua was considered some of the most contaminated land in New Zealand.

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