Illegal dump to be costly for council

Cleaning up this massive illegal dump near Russell will be costly, but local authorities say they are committed to doing so. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Eight people who thought they could pollute Northland bush and scarper have had a $200 wake-up call as the costs of removing a huge illegal dumpsite soar.

Far North District Council issued the eight fines over the last month in relation to a massive illegal dump in native bush, about 20 kilometres from Russell, the largest of a number of fly-tipping sites in the Ngaiotonga Scenic Reserve.

The dumping issue in the area featured in the Advocate in February and March after a tourist and several local farmers spoke out.

One of the farmers, Sean Walker, was pleased FNDC was finally taking action about the dumping, which had been happening for decades but had intensified over the past few years. He said he would like to see the offenders held publicly to account.

"I asked [the council] if there was any chance of making them public so we can name and shame. The guy at council seemed reluctant," Mr Walker said.

FNDC promised in March to clean up the largest dump halfway along Russell Rd at the Ngaiotonga saddle, where a solid mass of rubbish stretched from the roadside about 200 metres into native bush. The rubbish crossed a stream feeding the Waikare Inlet.

The clean-up's progress had been slow so far, but FNDC advised they were still committed to it.

Mr Walker said it was a matter of persevering to make sure the council took action.

He said locals would be willing to help with the clean-up if bins were provided.

Extremely steep terrain meant the cost of professional removal of the dump, which included fridges, household rubbish sacks and several burnt-out cars, was exorbitant.

"We have received some quotations," said FNDC's general manager infrastructure and asset management Jacqui Robson. "However, it appears the cost of removing the rubbish could be significantly greater than anticipated. We are currently investigating options to address this."

FNDC would not reveal the prices it had received so far, citing commercial sensitivity.

Sifting through rubbish had so far produced evidence identifying eight offenders, who were fined $200 apiece. One of the fines had been paid so far, Ms Robson said.

She said FNDC was also initiating contact with the Department of Conservation, Northland Regional Council and other agencies to discuss options for dealing with illegal dumping both at Ngaiotonga and other sites around Northland.

The 200-metre-long pile is the same dumping patch which prompted Auckland woman Emma Lamont-Messer to contact the Advocate in February.

She came across it while holidaying, describing it as "a truly awful sight".