Firm’s Oil Disposal on Race Track Halted

A waste disposal company with a history of mishandling toxic chemicals is under scrutiny again.

The Christchurch company is being investigated by Environment Canterbury (ECan) after a member of the public called their pollution hotline on Thursday afternoon.

ECan enforcement officers heard that tanker trucks were seen dumping thousands of litres of used engine oil on a privately owned racing track near Amberley.

Oil has historically been used as a dust suppressant in Canterbury, but new rules in the Natural Resources Regional Plan state the practice could cause contamination of water.

ECan regional enforcement officer Bob Simpson said officers had visited the site twice for assessment and have spoken to both the landowner and waste disposal company who have agreed to stop dumping the oil.

“We were certainly very concerned,” Simpson said.

“It was clear to us from a brief inspection that there appeared to have been a substantial discharge of some sort of oil.”

Officers have taken a sample of the oil and crusher dust which they will hold for analysis.

Simpson said there appeared to be no danger of the oil running off into surface water but there was a domestic well nearby.

The company had no comment.