Asbestos contaminated wall cladding wrapped up for safe disposal after being dumped at Kokotau Reserve. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
ELISA VORSTER
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A surge in fly tipping incidents in recent months has led Carterton District Council officers to resort to new prevention measures.
During September, the council forked out thousands of dollars to safely dispose of 400kg of fibrelight wall cladding containing asbestos after it was dumped at Kokotau Reserve.
In response, six ‘No Dumping’ signs were erected at problem sites – Hughes Line near Waingawa River, Gladstone River, Kokotau Reserve, Black Bridge off Matarawa Rd, Kaipatangata by the water supply and Belvedere Bridge near the Mangatarere Stream.
The signs warn offenders of prosecution resulting in a maximum fine of $5000.
The council has also gained access to a motion camera which can detect vehicles approaching the sites and alerts a cell phone that rubbish dumping may have occurred.
The use of the camera meant the number plate of a culprit dumping green waste at Kokotau Reserve was recorded and passed on to police.
“Installing the camera gives us the ability to monitor the issue more effectively and highlights to our community that we are serious about getting people to stop illegal rubbish dumping,” said infrastructure, planning and regulatory manager Dave Gittings.
The council wants to encourage residents to do the right thing by using their transfer stations.
“Dumping rubbish has a negative impact on our environment, especially when dumped near rivers and waterways.
“It also poses a significant risk to the health and safety of our people.
“We encourage our residents, and people throughout the region to utilise the transfer stations within their areas to dispose of rubbish.”
The council was now looking to pass section 13 of the Litter Act [1979] at the next ordinary council meeting which empowers a warranted officer to issue an infringement notice that has a $400 associated fee with it.
