Contaminated Land
Like the rest of New Zealand, Marlborough generally has relatively low concentrations of contaminants in the environment. However, despite this, as a result of past industrial, domestic, or agricultural activities or industries there is still a small legacy of contaminated sites in our region.
These pages provide information about contaminated land and guidance on how to manage a site that is contaminated:
What is a contaminated site?
A site is contaminated when the soil and/or groundwater contains hazardous substances in concentrations significantly higher than normal background concentrations and it is, or is reasonably likely to have a significant adverse effect on human health and the environment.
What are background concentrations?
A background concentration is a concentration of a substance that occurs naturally within the environment. A summary of background concentrations for selected trace elements in some soil types in Marlborough is available in Trace Element Concentrations in some Marlborough Soils.
Trace Element Concentrations in some Marlborough Soils (3,791 Kb)
Why is site contamination a problem?
Contaminated sites contain hazardous substances that potentially pose a threat to both the environment and human health. These sites are a greater problem when contaminants are close to buildings and people, or close to waterbodies and important habitats. It is therefore essential that when a contaminated site is identified it is investigated and managed if a risk is identified.
How can a site become contaminated?
There are a large number of activities both past and present that can result in site contamination. Examples of industries and/or activities that may have resulted in contamination the Marlborough region include:
- Use of agrichemicals
- Timber treatment sites
- Disposal of wastes
- Service stations
To help identify potentially contaminated sites The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) have put together a Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL). This is a compilation of 53 activities and industries that are considered likely to cause or have caused land contamination resulting from use, storage or disposal of hazardous substances.
How do I find out if my site is contaminated?
- Find out what was the previous land use activity of the site and neighbouring sites
- Check for physical signs of contamination ie; odours, stains, storage tanks
- Consult the HAIL, which identifies specific land use activities that have the potential to cause site contamination,
- Contact the Council for any information it may hold about the site
- Arrange to engage a suitably qualified environmental consultant to undertake a site investigation using the framework and guidance presented within the Ministry for the Environment's Contaminated Land Management Guidelines No. 1
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List of environmental consultants