Remediation of the Historic Landfill on Pūtōrino Road
A former landfill beside the Rangitīkei River has been safely remediated, protecting the river environment and reducing the long-term risk of historic waste entering the waterway.
PROJECT COMPLETE
Completed: 2024
Investment: Project cost available on request.
The former landfill on Pūtōrino Road closed before 1997 and remained undisturbed for many years.
However, in 2018, Council became aware that the Rangitīkei River had gradually eroded its banks to the point where the edge of the historic landfill was being exposed. When the landfill was operating, it sat around 300 metres from the river. Over time, the natural movement of the river brought it to the edge of the site, creating a risk that historic landfill material could enter the river.
This image was taken in 2019 and shows the extent to which the historic Pūtōrino Landfill became exposed due to erosion from the Rangitīkei River.
Although the land is owned by the Crown under the Queen's Chain, responsibility for managing the former landfill rests with Rangitīkei District Council.
Council immediately began working alongside Horizons Regional Council, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Hauiti and technical specialists to identify the safest and most environmentally responsible way to remediate the site.
As an immediate response, Horizons Regional Council redirected the river flow away from the landfill in 2019 to reduce further erosion while investigations were carried out.
Site assessments found that the landfill was made up predominantly of building rubble and steel, with a smaller amount of domestic waste. Following consultation with iwi and the granting of resource consents, remediation work began in 2021.
To protect the river during excavation, sheet piling was installed along the riverbank before landfill material was carefully excavated, sorted, tested and transported to approved disposal facilities.
Once the waste had been removed, the sheet piling was dismantled and the riverbank rebuilt using clean fill. Native planting was then carried out to help stabilise the bank, reduce future erosion and restore the surrounding environment.The project was completed in 2024 following final site reinstatement works.
What Changed?
- Historic landfill material at risk of entering the Rangitīkei River has been safely removed.
- The riverbank has been rebuilt and stabilised, reducing the risk of future erosion exposing the former landfill site.
- Native planting has restored the area while helping protect the riverbank over the long term.
- The project prevented further environmental contamination through a carefully managed excavation and disposal programme.
- Council worked alongside Horizons Regional Council, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Hauiti and specialist contractors to deliver a collaborative solution.