The DOW Agroscience plant in Paritūtū, New Plymouth, pictured on 15 February, 2001. Photo: Getty Images / David Hallett
The owner of a controversial former chemical plant in New Plymouth wants to quiz people with links to Ivon Watkins-Dow ahead of remediating the site.
From the 1960s through to 1987, Ivon Watkins (later Ivon Watkins-Dow) made the herbicide 2,4, 5-T at Paritūtū which has been linked to birth defects and cancers.
Environmental remediation leader Camillo Coladonato said Dow wanted to uncover information about how chemicals were handled at the site, which might not have been previously recorded.
"We are aware that a large number of people were directly associated with the site during its manufacturing phase, as employees or contractors," Coladonato said.
"This is their opportunity to share any specific information regarding on-site activities which could potentially be relevant for remediation planning."
The information gathered from the survey would inform site investigations to be undertaken later in 2023.
Coladonato said the survey would being managed by the company's local consultants, Tonkin + Taylor, and all responses would be treated as confidential, in order to protect privacy.
"We want to ensure we have access to the best possible information as we plan this work," he said.
"People who respond can remain anonymous if they wish. It is important to note that this phase of the project relates specifically to on-site activities only."
The survey would remain open until Friday 7 July, and could be accessed at online.