Land can become contaminated when there are hazardous substances present that could pose a threat to human health or the environment. As a result of hazardous activities and industries (HAIL), both past and present, Waka Kotahi projects may encounter contaminants in soil, and so we need to consider and plan in advance for management of contamination.
Managing contaminants in soil to protect human health must meet the requirements of the Resource Management (National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health) Regulations 2011 (the NES-CS). In addition, regional and unitary plans often require consideration of ground contamination to protect human health and the environment. There are also requirements for protecting the health and safety of workers disturbing contaminants in the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), particularly requirements for managing risks from asbestos in soil.
We are currently developing guidelines on contaminated land and coal tar. These are expected to be available in the later part of 2022.
Our policy on contaminated land can be found in:
In addition to the requirements specific to each technical area, all land transport infrastructure activities must fulfil the requirements of:
For further information contact environment@nzta.govt.nz
