Debris from the Lake Ōhau fire will need to travel at least two hours away if it is disposed of in Canterbury.
Damage caused by the Lake Ōhau fire last month. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The fire caused widespread damage, destroying or damaging roughly half of the properties in the village early last month.
At least 11 properties have been demolished with a large number expected to be cleared in the coming weeks.
Environment Canterbury regional leader compliance delivery James Tricker said any debris disposed of in Canterbury must be taken more than four hours away to the Kate Valley landfill north of Christchurch or to Redruth Resource Recovery Park in Timaru.
"Redruth and Kate Valley landfills are the only landfills in Canterbury that are licensed to take material that is not cleanfill. Therefore, these two landfills are able to take material that is potentially contaminated as it can be dealt with properly there," he said.
"As the clean-up progresses, we want to ensure there are minimal environmental effects, while also ensuring it is done in a way that minimises cost to the residents involved.
"There are also licensed landfills in Otago and Southland."
Clearfill is waste that will have no adverse effect on the environment when deposited to land, generally comprising of clean soil, rock, concrete and bricks.
"Ash and debris from house fires can potentially contaminate soils due to items such as treated timber, cars, electronics, plastics, carpets, and household cleaners that can all be present within houses when fires occur," Tricker said.
"It is important that ash and debris is removed from a property following a fire, and that the remaining soil is confirmed to be safe for residential use."
Environment Canterbury is liaising with the Insurance Council, Waitaki District Council and contractors on site to try to coordinate an approach to waste and soil removal and disposal, while the regional council provides advice about how best to manage potentially contaminated sites, the erosion and sediment controls needed for the clean up, removal and disposal of waste.
Tricker said the regional council would be interested in any results from any testing that that Waitaki District Council has requested from a consultant.
"The clean-up will require independent specialist advice to manage potential effects and ensure the remediated site is validated as clean.
"Our role is to control any discharges during the clean-up to ensure minimal environmental impact."