Residents boxed in by quarries
A flurry of consents granted for quarrying beside homes northwest of Christchurch has been described as ‘‘ludicrous’’ and unlike anywhere else in the world.
It reflects tension between authorities and residents about the growing presence of quarries on the city’s fringe, fuelled by high demand for aggregate to use in the rebuild.
Half a dozen quarries have been rubber-stamped in three years in one area alone, effectively surrounding a group of houses. In some cases, proposed quarries are within 40 metres of a neighbouring property’s boundary. The Ministry for the Environment recommends a setback distance of 250m as best practice.
A group of Old West Coast Rd residents have for several years complained about dust from a nearby quarry. Recent tests showed the dust contained crystalline silica, a substance that over time can cause silicosis, a fatal disease. Some residents have since opted to wear masks while outside on their properties.
The long-term levels of silica will be monitored by Environment Canterbury (ECan). While doing that testing, ECan has told the quarry that no dust at all may leave the boundary as a precautionary measure.
It is far from the only situation in Christchurch where homeowners have battled a neighbour quarry.
In one area near McLeans Island, at least seven quarries have been granted resource consent since 2010, covering a combined area of about 350ha – twice the size of Hagley Park.
Some houses will be all but surrounded by the quarries, which are in various stages of completion. At least one has been appealed to the Environment Court.
In 2010, before the earthquakes, there was just one quarry in the area.
The Yaldhurst Rural Residents Association is calling for a moratorium on new quarry consents until issues with residents can be sorted out.
The Old West Coast Rd residents had gained acknowledgment for their plight because they had been persistent, but similar issues happened elsewhere, chairwoman Sara Harnett Kikstra said.
‘‘It’s just ludicrous the way they are allowing quarries to be so close to residents, which is contrary to anywhere else,’’ she said.
Rules in the Christchurch district plan allow for quarrying in the rural urban fringe zone around Yaldhurst, which largely comprises lifestyle blocks and small farms. They can be given consent on the condition they mitigate their effects, but neighbours closest to quarries say mitigation is impossible when they are so close.
But Aggregate and Quarry Association chairman Brian Roche said: ‘‘We welcome a comprehensive airmonitoring programme to determine what is in any dust. We are also more than happy to work with the authorities to improve dust control. But a sudden blanket ban on any dust could have enormous ramifications for our economy and society if it is allowed to develop.’’