A massive pile of asbestos sheeting dumped into the Wairoa River along Kopu Road has left members of the community fuming.

The sheeting, believed to be about 50 square metres, was dumped directly down from the end of Outram Street, partially obstructed from view.

Wairoa District Council chief executive Steven May said a trailer must have been used to dump the sheeting as the tyre tracks are still visible.

“It is bad enough that someone has dumped this sheeting into the river and that has been made worse by the fact it is asbestos sheeting. Asbestos is hazardous when it is dry and inhaled. The presence of asbestos in water does not pose a hazard for people.

“When the sheeting is wet the danger is minimised, but this sheeting has been broken, which means the fibres are present and because of where it is dumped it dries out at low tide which creates a further issue.

“I really cannot believe anyone would stoop so low.

“The best outcome would be that a member of the public saw this sheeting being dumped into the river and can identify the person or persons who dumped it.

“The protection of our rivers is everyone's responsibility. It is extremely disappointing that any rubbish, particularly asbestos, has been dumped into our awa.

“We have notified the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and a specialised asbestos removal company will extract the sheeting from the river.

“Anyone with information leading to the identification of the person who dumped the sheeting is encouraged to ring the Council, 06 838 7309.”

Caption: A massive pile of asbestos sheeting has been dumped into the Wairoa River.

5 December 2019

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