Donations pour in for fight against planned toxic waste plant

Canterbury residents fighting the proposed expansion of a toxic waste treatment plant in their neighbourhood say they are grateful for the community's donations.

The group of Prebbleton residents decided to start a Givealittle page last month for people to donate to their fight against the planned Waste Management Ltd plant. on Marshs Rd in South Hornby.

About 73 donations had been made raising $6610 by the end of last week.

Group member Judy Sachdeva said they are very pleased and grateful for the support.

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“Especially because of everything that is happening right now with Covid-19.

"The message we are getting from all of the people who live here in Prebbleton is that they are completely against it,” she said.

The money will be spent on opposing the applications for air discharge consents that have been made to Environment Canterbury, and for public awareness and education campaigns.

The Prebbleton Clean Air Trust was set up to manage fundraised money, along with a website containing information for supporters.

Said Ms Sachdeva: “As we understand it, the hearing process has been paused at the moment. We are just waiting to hear what will happen next.

“I have spoken to one of the people who have been through the process with Roydon Quarry so I know what they went through. I am expecting this to be a long fight.”

Waste Management Ltd has applied to expand its current site and operate the toxic waste treatment plant at 305 Marshs Rd.

 

In its resource consent application, it said the plant will treat and manage items, such as pesticides, acid, used tyres and other types of rubbish.

Resource consent was granted for the proposed plant by the Christchurch City Council in December 2018.

ECan also granted three consents for the plant's construction and discharge of stormwater in March 2019.

The consent application currently with ECan is only for activities resulting in discharge to air.

It ran a limited notified consent process, which meant only people within 500m of the proposed facility had a chance to have their say.

You can donate to the residents' cause here or visit the group's website.