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Nelson beach pollution cleanup to begin next month

Broadcast United News Desk
Nelson beach pollution cleanup to begin next month

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Tahunanui Beach.

Testing in May 2023 showed chemical contamination at Tahunanui Back Beach.
photo: Nelson Regional Development Agency/ Provided by

  • In September, Nelson’s Tāhunanui back beach will begin clearing contaminated sawdust and sand.
  • Sawdust from a local lumber mill was used as fill for the elevated parking structure in the 1960s and was exposed by erosion in 2022
  • Last year’s testing found concentrations of arsenic, chromium, copper and boron
  • It is estimated that it will take at least six weeks to remove the polluted materials and traffic conditions will be affected.
  • People are being told to avoid the cordoned-off work area, but the risk of contaminants affecting nearby areas is considered low.

Popular Nelson beaches will begin removing sawdust and sand contaminated with arsenic and other chemicals next month.

The material was exposed by erosion at the Tahunanui back beach in 2022, but it was not until May 2023 that the Testing found chemical contamination.

At least 6500 cubic metres of sawdust and more sand are expected to be removed from the elevated car park and taken to the hazardous waste disposal site at York Vale Landfill over the next at least six weeks.

The site will see restoration of low-lying dunes and construction of a new gravel parking lot, but alternate parking will open in September.

Nelson City Council community services group manager Andrew White said they were taking every measure to remove the contaminated material efficiently and safely.

“Tahunanui Beach is a favourite spot for many people in Nelson. Ensuring the construction is completed safely ahead of the busy summer season is a priority,” White said.

“The risk of contaminants impacting recreational areas is considered low as these risks are typically associated with long-term exposure, however, we ask people to keep a close eye on their children and pets, stay away from work areas and be aware of trucks passing through the reserve during the workday.”

Removal of contaminated sawdust from Tahunanui Back Beach is due to start in September, with the following areas affected.

Removal of contaminated sawdust from Tahunanui Back Beach is due to start in September, with the following areas affected.
photo: Image courtesy Nelson City Council

Coastal assessment work has shown that removing these materials and restoring the area is unlikely to have a significant impact on shoreline erosion.

White said they have chosen plant species to help support the dunes and native species, and a pre-clearance check for nesting birds and native lizards will be done before work begins.

Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said the work would disrupt the reserve but they hoped to have the popular beach back to its pristine state by Christmas.

He hopes the government, after providing funding for surveys and designs, will help finance the estimated $5.2 million it will spend to restore the site.

He said a request for funding had been submitted to the Ministry of Environment and the government had previously indicated it would assist with the costs.

“We decided to proceed with this remedial work in order to complete it before the busy summer season, minimize the cost of maintaining short-term protective measures, and reduce the risk of material being dispersed by a major storm,” Smith said.

Removal of contaminated sawdust from Tahunanui Back Beach is due to start in September, with the following areas affected.

Removal of contaminated sawdust from Tahunanui Back Beach is due to start in September, with the following areas affected.
photo: Image courtesy Nelson City Council

During the removal process, road access from the end of Skate Nelson car park to the back beach will be closed and contaminated material will be covered and transported by truck via Bisley Walk.

Traffic management and parking restrictions will be in place but shops within the reserve will remain open.

Tāhunanui liaison councillor Campbell Rollo said the council was committed to finding a solution after confirming the contamination and had been in regular contact with stakeholders.

Approximately 20 new parking lots will be added during the cleanup.

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