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Racecourse Road Tyre Fire 2021

Date:
Category:
Emergencies

UPDATE: 19TH February, 2021, 1.50PM

ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC MEETING ON FEBRUARY 11.

To see this information directly, please click on the link https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2018/amberley-tyre-fire-clean-up-progress/

A MESSAGE FROM ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY – ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS.

What are the results of the groundwater testing?

The results show that against the Drinking-Water Standards for New Zealand, no contaminants exceeded the safe limits for drinking water at the time of testing.

Also, no contaminants specific to burnt tyre material showed concentrations out of the expected range for groundwater in the area. Most organic contaminants we tested had concentrations too low to be detected.

Please note that we did not test for microbiological contaminants which can also be a risk to shallow wells from other sources (such as septic tanks, livestock or stormwater), but would not be a contaminant from burnt tyres.

Can you give us a list of the bores you are monitoring?

We have contacted individual bore owners with the details of the above results, but for privacy reasons we cannot publicly provide a list of those bores.

What are the possible effects on plants and animals?

As above, we have the groundwater results, which in the first instance are being sent to well owners. These results indicate no contaminants exceeding the safe limits for drinking water.We are hoping to receive results from our hard surface testing by the end of next week, with more likely to follow.

The dispersion model is being worked on and we anticipate that will be complete early next month.

To reiterate, as soon as we have definitive and reliable data, we will share it publicly.

What is the plan if we have a significant rainfall before capping takes place?

We will be monitoring the risk of heavy rainfall resulting in the transport of contaminants into the soil profile. All efforts are being invested to ensure that a waterproof cover is added to the site as soon as practicable.

To assist us in assessing this risk, we have reviewed the contamination of soil under the 2018 fire. This site was only capped with soil and no waterproof layer was applied. Records indicate that 2018 was an above average year in terms of total rainfall. Under this site, the remediation programme removed ~100 mm of soil from the fire location.

Validation sampling of the remaining soil by Sephira Environmental Limited found no detectable PAH contamination, and possibly slightly elevated levels of zinc (but still generally at or somewhat below regulatory background levels of zinc for the Amberley area). This suggests that contamination generally migrated no deeper than ~100 mm into the soil in the period following the previous fire event over a 7-month period, with no waterproof cap.

This information will help to inform the remediation plan put in place for the existing situation.

Is ECan taking a formal enforcement approach?

We continue to work with the landowner, but a consented enforcement order is likely to be issued.

What will be involved to manage dust as part of the remediation?

There will be a dust mitigation plan in place to ensure no risk is posed by dust emissions beyond the property’s boundary that occur as part of the remediation process.

Why weren’t fire breaks between the main tyre pile considered after the 2018 fire?

Mitigating the fire risk is landowner responsibility, and addressing contamination is the responsibility of Environment Canterbury.

The installation of fire breaks was considered by the landowner and Environment Canterbury following the 2018 fire. It was found that the cost of moving the tyres to create fire breaks on the site was significant, relative to the costs of moving tyres from the site. Given this, efforts were put into developing a plan to permanently remove the tyres from site.

Creating fire breaks may have increased the opportunity for arson and widened any affected area.

Over the summer the landowner has undertaken steps to reduce risks arising from grass fires, through management of surrounding vegetation.

Does MfE give advice on tyres; is ECan following this?

The outdoor storage of tyres that have reached their end of life is an issue for Canterbury and other regions. The Government has two initiatives to address this:

  • In 2020 tyres were one of six priority products declared under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. This requires the implementation of a regulated product stewardship scheme. Tyrewise is an industry-led project to develop a regulated product stewardship scheme.
  • In 2020 it was confirmed that a National Environmental Standard for the outdoor storage of tyres (NES) would be progressed with regulations coming into force in mid-2021. The NES puts responsibility on regional councils through rule conditions. Tyre storage outdoors that does not comply with any of the permitted activity conditions will require a resource consent. More information will be available in the near future. The report on submissions on the proposed National Environmental Standard for the outdoor storage of tyres is available here.

Our staff are working to prepare for the incoming National Environmental Standard for the outdoor storage of end-of-life tyres. This includes identifying existing tyre piles, location, proximity to sensitive areas. Staff have also been successful at identifying piles using our mapping system and tools like Google Earth. If there is a high-risk pile identified, we will raise this withe the relevant agencies and the landowner.

We have no legislative powers until the NES is operative.

General updates:

  • We have completed a drone survey of the site, which will help inform the remediation plan. We can confirm that the site is currently safe and stable.
  • Following discussions with MfE, we have submitted an application for emergency funding to MfE’s Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund (CSRF).
  • Work to specify and install the waterproof covering is continuing.

ENDS

Where Can I find information?

To read all community updates from us [the Hurunui District Council] you can visit our Racecourse Road Tyre Fire 2021 webpage here: https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/find/alerts?item=id%3A2cxdz1id31cxbyiyn3iq

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At 3.10 pm on the 29th of January, Fire and Emergency were called to a large tyre fire on Racecourse Road in Amberley.

Many different agencies are involved in the emergency response, and as the local council, we are working to make sure our local resident's voices are heard and good information is supplied to them in turn.

Community Updates

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UPDATE: 18th February 2021, 6.00pm

HDC Sampling results from the Racecourse Road bore

On an annual basis, chemical testing of source water is carried out by Hurunui District Council across all supplies.

All these results can be viewed at https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/services/things-we-operate/water/water-testing-reports

Post the tyre fire incident, very similar chemical tests were carried out, and the results identified there were no changes to the trends we receive annually.

In addition, total organic carbon testing and dissolved organic carbon testing was carried out, and total petroleum hydrocarbons in water were tested for. Again, all results indicated there were no common contaminants in our source water as a result of the fire.

These results can be seen below:

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UPDATE: 12th February 2021, 5.30pm

We wish to say thank you to all those who attended the second public meeting organised in response to the Racecourse Road Tyre Fire. It was good to hear your concerns and questions. We will endeavour to continue providing responses to you whenever we can and share quality information.

During the meeting, the community let the agencies know there is a need for more information about:

  • any potential effects on plants and animals
  • the capping process
  • methods of testing
  • & the remediation Plan

The agencies who respond also provided details on:

  • drinking water
  • surface testing
  • public health advice
  • the current state of the fire (still warm)
  • & the next steps

Much of this information is being made available on Environment Canterbury’s webpage for updates here: https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-eve... - where you can also view new statements from the CDHB, and a full timeline of previous actions taken in response to the tyre pile.

When there are new answers to topics where you asked for more information, we will update you.

The following advice was reiterated:

  • Rinse vegetables and produce before eating.
  • Consult your GP if you have any health concerns.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: 9th February 2021, 7pm

A brief update regarding the Racecourse Road Tyre Fire for Tuesday the 9th of February, as well as a few important reminders.

Environment Canterbury have shared that the entire site of the fire was covered with soil over the weekend and that the last of the smoke emissions then ceased.

They have also released the latest air monitoring data today, which can be viewed on their normal webpage for updates here: https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2018/amberley-tyre-fire-clean-up-progress/

A quick reminder that the second community meeting relating to the Racecourse Road Tyre Fire will be this week, details below:

When: 6 pm February 11th
Where: Amberley Pavilion (The Tin Shed), 50 Douglas Road

The following advice has been shared regarding vegetables, produce, rainwater & health:

  • Rinse vegetables and produce before eating.
  • Disconnect rainwater tanks and reconnect after rainfall or hosing of the roof.
  • Consult your GP if you have any health concerns.

Where Can I find information?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: 4th February 2021, 4:21 pm

ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY HAS AIR QUALTY RESULTS, AND CAPPING BEGINS TODAY

Environment Canterbury has released information today that answers some of the community’s questions about air quality. We have copied this information for you below:

What is the latest air quality data?

The PM2.5 concentrations measured at Broomfield School from midday Monday through to today are generally very low, below 10 µg/m3.

For context, the World Health Organisation guideline is 25 µg/m3. The table below shows Broomfield and Bloomfields daily average compared to other monitoring sites in Canterbury towns.

Date

Timaru

Waimate

Geraldine

Ashburton

Christchurch
Woolston

Kaiapoi

Rangiora

Broomfield School

Bloomfields Preschool

1/02/2021

4

3

3

3

5

4

4

2/02/2021

6

5

5

3

3

4

4

5

5

3/02/2021

6

4

4

3

4

4

4

3

3

Please note that the fire is about 2.5km to the east of Broomfield School.

What is the latest water quality data?

We have been collecting groundwater samples from nearby private wells. The samples will be tested for all contaminants of concern (including dissolved metals and organic contaminants).

We do not expect any contaminants to have leached from the burnt tyres yet because no water was used and there has not been recent heavy rain. This sampling allows us to detect any changes arising from potential contamination.

How long will the smoke continue?

The smoke has significantly reduced over the past couple of days. With the covering of the fire beginning today (and southerlies or westerlies predicted over the next few days), we wouldn’t expect concentrations to go much higher.

Please note that in the process of moving soil and beginning the capping process, a small amount of additional smoke may be visible, but this is in response to moving the materials around and not a resurgence of the fire.

If you have any concerns about odours or smoke, please call our pollution hotline on 0800 765 588 (24 hours) and report it. We have extra officers in the area who will be able to attend to learn more.

What is the latest plan for remediation?

Capping of the site of the fire will begin today. Initial work to prepare the site commenced on Wednesday. This is the most important step at this stage. We are consulting a landfill engineer with experience in capping this type of material.

The cap will protect groundwater while a remediation plan is developed for removal of all residual fire-damaged material. The cap is likely to be some form of impermeable barrier.

All material (including that used in capping process) will be removed to a suitably licensed disposal facility, such as Kate Valley. However, metal remaining within the debris may be suitable for recycling.

Also, another reminder that there will be a public meeting on Thursday 11 February, 6pm at Amberley Pavilion (The Tin Shed), 50 Douglas Road. There will be an agenda and other information published by ECan closer to the time.

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UPDATE: 3rd February 2021, 4.30pm

There have been developments today in relation to the tyre fire that we are sharing with the community.

Firstly, a time and place for a second public meeting has been arranged. Public Meeting #2 will be on Thursday 11th February, next week. There was a plan to have this meeting on Tuesday next week, but this date conflicted with a local community event. Confirmed meeting details below:

Second Public Meeting

When: 6pm February 11th

Where: Amberley Pavilion (The Tin Shed), 50 Douglas Road

Secondly, Environment Canterbury have released information today, that answers some of the community’s questions from the last few days. We have copied this information for you below:

How long will the smoke continue?

The current plan is to start capping the fire on Thursday 4 Feb, so any residual smoke still coming from the site should reduce significantly by the end of Thursday.

What are the potential contaminants in both smoke and ash?

There are a large number of different contaminants released when tyres are burned in an uncontrolled setting such as this fire. In addition to carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide, it is likely that large quantities of hydrocarbons were released by the fire. There is also likely to be a range of metals present in the smoke, including iron, chromium, zinc and nickel. However, there is unlikely to be a widespread delivery of contaminants, which will have been widely and thinly dispersed. To reiterate, we have mobile air monitors at both the school and preschool, and are sampling water from 11 local private wells, so will know more when that data has been analysed. Air and water sampling will be science-led, in those locations that are most appropriate, but which serve to provide information and certainty to the entire community.

Should I be worried about eating the food from my garden?

We will know more in coming days, but if you are at all concerned, you might want to take a cautious approach and wash any food that you plan to eat from your garden.

Can I still drink the water from my rainwater tank?

Again, if you are concerned, you might want to take a cautious approach and disconnect the rainwater collection for the time being. We will continue to provide updates as we know more over the coming days.

What is the plan for remediation?

This will be a two-stage process. The first – and most immediately necessary – stage is capping the site to make it safe and stable. We are assessing the specs required for capping, including the amount and type of material to be used. This stage is critical to impede contaminants being directly washed through the soil into groundwater. Second, all material (including that used in capping process) will be removed to the Kate Valley facility.

How long will the site remediation take?

It is too early to say, but the first stage of capping should be this week. We will continue to update this page with information on timing as we know more.

Where Can I find information?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: 1st February 2021, 5:46 pm

Thank you to all those who attended the initial public meeting organised in response to the Racecourse Road Tyre Fire. It was good to hear from the community and listen to your thoughts, especially during that busy first response period.

We are in the process of organising the next public meeting and will send you an invitation.

During that first meeting, you [the community] let us know you would like more information from those responding on what the remedial plans for the fire waste will be, what the expected timeframes are, how the fire may have affected nearby gardens, stock and horticulture, and whether or not it is safe to collect water from roofs. Whenever we receive updates for you on these things, we will provide them here. We are working hard to facilitate good information coming to you from the agencies involved.

A quick note on roof water: We do not yet have access to any information in regards to this. If you are concerned about the smoke path and your roof water, we advise you to disconnect this collection until we know more.

Subsequent to the meeting, Environment Canterbury has provided an update on their website saying they are managing their plans for remediation and working on your specific questions. We will include a link to their webpages for future updates below.

Health Messages: Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health Unit has issued a public health warning for smoke from the Racecourse Road fire. The air around this location is smoky and there is potential that people who are sensitive to smoke – such as those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children and the elderly ¬– may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation. The main contaminant from fires involving tyres is sulphur dioxide which can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis and can irritate your nose, throat and lungs. This may cause coughing, wheezing, phlegm and asthma attacks. The effects are worse when you are exercising. Sulphur dioxide has been linked to cardiovascular disease. Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says “anyone experiencing health issues from the Racecourse Road fire should phone their usual general practice team in the first instance,”. After hours you can call your usual practice number 24/7 and follow the instructions to be put through to a nurse for free health advice.

Where can I find information?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: 30th January, 1:38 pm

Tonight, Environment Canterbury will be holding a community meeting alongside Hurunui District Council and Fire and Emergency New Zealand to update you all about the fire in Racecourse Road and to take your questions. If you’d like to come along, here are the details:

When: 5 pm tonight (January 30)

Where: Amberley Pavilion (The Tin Shed), 50 Douglas Road

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: 29th January, 5:21 pm

PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING FROM CDHB – SMOKE FROM FIRE IN RACECOURSE ROAD NEAR AMBERLEY

Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health Unit has issued a public health warning for smoke from the fire located in Racecourse Road near Amberley.

The air around this location is smoky and there is potential that people who are sensitive to smoke – such as those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children and the elderly ¬– may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation.

Tyre Fire – Sulphur Dioxide

The main contaminant from fires involving tyres is sulphur dioxide which can cause respiratory problems such as bronchitis and can irritate your nose, throat and lungs. It may cause coughing, wheezing, phlegm and asthma attacks. The effects are worse when you are exercising. Sulphur dioxide has been linked to cardiovascular disease.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says exposure to smoke can worsen pre-existing health conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

“People affected by the smoke should close windows and doors, and reduce outdoor exercise.

“Anyone experiencing health issues from the Racecourse Road fire should phone their usual general practice team in the first instance,” Dr Pink says.

After hours you can call your usual practice number 24/7 and follow the instructions to be put through to a nurse for free health advice.

What to do when it’s smoky outside

If you see or smell smoke outside, you should stay inside if it’s safe to do so.

Remember to:

• Keep your windows and doors shut

• Switch your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’

• Air out your house when the smoke clears

• Look out for children, older people, and others at risk

• Keep pets inside with clean water and food. Keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: 29th January 2021, 3:57 pm

Racecourse Rd (north of Amberley) is closed due to a large tyre pile fire.

Residents are advised to monitor this situation, close windows, use air conditioning, consider the use of wet towels around doorways, and think about their own emergency and evacuation plan in the unlikely event of needing to evacuate.

*** PLEASE KEEP AWAY FROM THIS AREA AND LET EMERGENCY SERVICES DO THEIR JOB. THANK YOU.

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