Arsenic, asbestos found in Dunedin dunes

Traces of arsenic, asbestos and other industrial chemicals have been unearthed in contaminated sand dunes at Dunedin's Middle beach, beside Kettle Park, prompting a warning for the public to stay clear.

The Dunedin City Council released the preliminary test results yesterday, which confirmed the edge of an old landfill buried in the area had been exposed in sand dunes at Middle beach, on the seaward site of Kettle Park.

The beach and playing fields were still believed to be safe to use, but traces of "a whole list" of chemicals had been found in the dunes, council community and recreation services manager Mick Reece said.

The contaminated zone stretched along the coastal dunes either side of Moana Rua Rd, although the exact level of chemical contamination was not yet known.

Nevertheless, expert advice was there was "a possibility of health risk to the public" with prolonged exposure, and people "need to be careful", Mr Reece said.

More extensive tests were planned to determine the extent of the problem, beginning in several weeks - once Otago Regional Council consents were obtained - and with results due by the end of the year.

In the meantime, signs were installed yesterday to warn members of the public to stay away from the dunes.

The details were confirmed at a media briefing attended by three council managers yesterday, two months after the council announced plans to probe the edges of the old landfill - dating back to the early 1900s - buried in the area.

The landfill had been capped in the 1940s and largely forgotten. However, the council was reminded of its existence after severe coastal erosion in 1997, which prompted several reports and detailed planning.

In September, a council progress report warned the dump contained "significant quantities" of trade waste and household and garden rubbish, but the exact nature and location of the material was not known.