MEDIA RELEASE
Dioxin levels not a direct concern
For immediate release: Thursday 19 November 2009
Environment Bay of Plenty’s sample of an area of exposed black sediment taken from the Matata
Lagoon works last month has confirmed positive for dioxin as expected based on previous sampling
information, however the level does not present a direct concern.
The result of the sample, which was collected on 29 October 2009, is consistent with pre-2005 dioxin
results for the lagoon (Tonkin and Taylor report in September 2009) and based on a health risk
assessment, is safe to be exposed.
Environment Bay of Plenty Group Manager Water Management Eddie Grogan said the result was as
expected.
“AsureQuality lab in Wellington reported a total toxic equivalence (TEQ) of 3.91 pg/g for the sample,” Mr
Grogan said.
“The black sediment accidentally exposed recently is not a risk if placed on dry ground; however as a
precaution, any of the excavated black sediment will be covered by clean soil. We will be ensuring that
Whakatane District Council, as the consent holder, complies with this and continues to provide a 300mm
cover of clean material to any of the exposed pre-2005 sediment,” he said.
Whakatane District Council and concerned residents have received confirmation of the sample result.
“We certainly want to allay any concerns that residents may have and give assurance that we will be
working closely with Whakatane District Council as the works continue,” Mr Grogan said.
ENDS
For further media information please contact Bruce Gardner, Pollution Prevention Manager on
0800 ENV BOP (368 267) or Prue Sisam, Communications Advisor, on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) or
(021) 929 349.
5 Quay Street, P O Box 364, Whakatane, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 ENV BOP (368 267)
Email: info@envbop.govt.nz
Pollution Hotline: 0800 73 83 93
Facsimile: 0800 ENV FAX (368 329)
Website: www.envbop.govt.nz
International: +64 7 9223390