Work to remove an asbestos contaminated area at the Maungatapu underpass site starts this week.
The contaminated area between the scout hall and the stream has been screened off in preparation for specialist contractors to start work today, says the NZ Transport Agency's acting Bay of Plenty highway manager, Adam Francis.
Asbestos was discovered on site in November. Photos: Andrew Campbell.
The work is expected to take between seven and 10 days and will stop if wind reaches unsuitable levels.
Adam says around 10 trucks a day will leave loaded with asbestos contaminated soil for Tirohia, a certified contaminated material dump site near Thames.
All precautions are being taken and the operation is low risk in regards to public safety, says Adam.
'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.
'Personnel working on site will be wearing protective clothing and the trucks will be fully lined to securely contain the loads.”
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.
2 comments
clean up
Posted on 02-02-2016 11:19 | By dumbkof2
how long has this stuff been there. nobody seems tp have been affected by it so whats the need for this over the top precautions. just adds lots more costs to the project just like the stop go for one truck every 2 hours or so. surely if stop go is needed one of the men working on the site should be able to do the job
How many lunches
Posted on 03-02-2016 09:42 | By Towball
Have these tax payer pocket liners had to arrive at this conclusion?. Another out of control already project that won't solve the issues at hand other than making it more accessible for cyclists such as the person in charge.
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