STUFF
Port Taranaki is undertaking work to safely remove asbestos-containing material from its site.
Port Taranaki has cordoned off an area of its premises after asbestos was discovered during regular site monitoring.
In an emailed statement, Port Taranaki chief executive Guy Roper said the port was undertaking work to safely remove asbestos-containing material from its site.
“We have a register of buildings on site known to be constructed using materials containing asbestos and we undertake regular asbestos testing of those buildings to ensure they are within acceptable standards.”
Roper said the port had received soil test results from samples taken in the area north of the power station chimney.
The company had known about asbestos contamination in the area and had been monitoring the area, he said.
“The recent tests have confirmed the presence of asbestos in the soil over a wider area than previously understood.
“As a precaution and as is routine in the circumstances, the area has been cordoned off and we are asking customers and Port Taranaki staff not to use the area until we have had further testing done.”
Taranaki Regional Council resource management director Fred McLay said the council was aware of asbestos being discovered and was satisfied the port company was undertaking appropriate actions.
Port Taranaki is owned by the regional council but its operations are governed and managed separately.
