Contaminated land in Marlborough

Contamination in Marlborough

Marlborough generally has low environmental contamination compared to industrialised regions, but historic land uses have left a legacy of localised contamination, especially around Blenheim and key industrial hubs. These sites can pose risks to human health and the environment if disturbed.

Common sources of contamination in Marlborough include:

Orchards and glasshouses – legacy pesticides such as DDT, copper, and arsenic.
Former gasworks – often associated with PAHs, cyanide, and heavy metals.
Timber treatment plants – where copper, chromium, arsenic (CCA) or boron residues may be present.
Fuel storage sites – historic underground storage tanks can leak petroleum hydrocarbons and BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) into soils and groundwater.
Mechanical workshops – possible solvent, oil, and heavy metal residues.
Historic sheep dips – often contaminated with arsenic and organochlorine pesticides.
Boatyards and marinas (Picton, Waikawa, Havelock) – legacy antifouling residues (copper, zinc, and historically TBT) in soils and marine sediments.
Unlined landfills and cleanfills – some historic dumps can leach contaminants, particularly where close to waterways or coastlines.

Orchard

Chemical Shed

Sheep Dip

Wood Treatment Plant

Boat Yard

Fuel Tank

Sites that may have left contamination behind are referred to as HAIL sites, which stands for Hazardous Activities and Industries List. Any site where HAIL activities may have occurred is recorded on a register so that it can be properly assessed during the consent process.

In Marlborough, there are approximately 2,300 sites recorded, with over 550 of these already investigated. These investigations play an important role in safeguarding both human health and the environment.

Have you received a letter saying your site is included on the HAIL register?

If you've received a letter stating your property is included on the HAIL register, don’t worry — you don’t need to take any immediate action.

What is the HAIL register?

The Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) is a tool used by councils to identify land that may have been affected by activities involving hazardous substances. Being on the register does not mean your land is contaminated — it simply means further investigation may be required if you plan to do certain types of work.

When does the HAIL register matter?

The HAIL register is used to trigger a contaminated land assessment as part of a resource consent application for activities such as:

Excavating more than 25 m³ of soil per 500 m²
Subdividing land or changing its use
Removing or replacing a fuel tank
Sampling soil for contaminants

These requirements come from the National Environmental Standards for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health (NESCS).

What should you do?

If you're not planning any of the activities above, you don’t need to do anything.
If you are planning one of these activities, you’ll need to include a contaminated land assessment report with your consent application.

Concerned about your garden?

If you’re worried your garden might be contaminated, free soil testing is available. (See bottom of page)

Need a contaminated land consultant?

If you’re planning work that triggers the NES CS rules, you’ll need a qualified consultant. (See the section below).

For advice on planning regulations and the NES CS, please contact: dutyplanner@marlborough.govt.nz

For advice on contaminated land and site status please contact hail.enquiry@marlborough.govt.nz

Useful legislative links

The National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health (NES CS).

Hazardous Activities and Industries List Guidance

Contaminated land management guidelines No. 1: Reporting on contaminated sites in New Zealand

Asbestos and lead paint

Although asbestos and lead paint are not categorised as HAIL activities, recording on LLUR may occur due to health concerns and under discovery protocols.

Asbestos

Widely used until the late 1980s; importing banned in 2016. Disturbing asbestos fibres poses significant health risks. Proper removal and disposal are essential.

Go to more information on asbestos and your health on the Health New Zealand website
Go to more information on asbestos in the home on the Worksafe website

Lead paint

Homes built before 1945 (banned in NZ in 1979) may contain lead-based paint. When it flakes, it can contaminate garden soil and pose health risks, especially to children and pregnant women.

Go to more information on lead based paint on the Health New Zealand website
Go to more information on managing lead-based paint on the Worksafe website

Selecting a consultant

Selecting the right environmental consultant is important. Contaminated land assessments require specific expertise. Look for a consultant who is a Certified Environmental Practitioner – Site Contamination Specialist (CEnvP-SC) through the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).

If your consultant is not CEnvP-SC certified, they must demonstrate that they meet the NESCS definition of a SQEP. The Marlborough District Council may not accept report from a consultant who does not have this qualification.

Go to the CEnvP website

Free soil testing – Soil Safe Aotearoa

Concerned about your backyard? Soil Safe Aotearoa provides free urban garden soil testing. While not a substitute for report from an environmental consultant, it's useful for immediate reassurance.

Go to more information on soil tesitng on the Soil Safe Aotearoa website