Asbestos operation underway

Specialist contractors are continuing work this week on removing contaminated soil from the Maungatapu underpass construction site.

The contaminated part of the site is beside the former scout hall on Welcome Bay Road.


Excavation work is underway in Welcome Bay. Photos: Chris Callinan.

The asbestos is from building material thought to have been buried about the time of the scout hall's construction.

Removing the soil and asbestos is weather dependent, and is expected to take between seven and 10 days and will stop if the wind reaches unsuitable levels.

The site's been fenced to prevent the drift of asbestos contaminated dust and the soil is loaded into trucks with polythene lined trays to wraps the dirt and prevent it blowing about the countryside on the way to the tip site at Tirohia near Paeroa.

"The site, weather conditions, air quality and dust levels will be closely monitored throughout the removal process by WorkSafe, BOP Regional Council and independent consultants, with the contaminated area, approximately 500m2, kept continually dampened," says the Transport Agency's acting Bay of Plenty highway manager, Adam Francis

"Personnel working on site will be wearing protective clothing and the trucks will be fully lined to securely contain the loads."

Adam says all precautions are being taken and the operation is low risk in regards to public safety.

The area remains secure in line with all health and safety, environmental, legal and regulatory guidelines.

There may be some changes to the traffic management on Welcome Bay Road to allow the trucks to get into and out of the work site however motorists should expect only minor delays.

'It's business as usual for the rest of the underpass team who will be continuing with other operations on the site to ensure that the project remains on track,” says Adam.

The contaminated area was uncovered while earthworks were being carried out in late-2015.

If there are any concerns members of the public can call: 0800 772 532.

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