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11 Additional research areas

A wide range of further research was suggested. The most common themes were protection of ecosystems, bio-availability of contaminants, and alternative cost-effective options for the remediation/management of contaminated land.

Discussion point 24

Are there any key additional research areas that should be identified?

Fifteen submitters (35%) responded to this question with suggestions for key additional research areas. Seven suggested further research on ecological sensitivity to contaminants in the New Zealand environment in soil and water. It was felt that this work is necessary to develop ecological guideline values. Two specifically suggested research on the protection of groundwater.

Seven suggested research on other options or new technologies for remediation rather than “dig and dump”. Submitters considered that this work was necessary to develop guidance promoting cost-effective in situ solutions over “dig and dump”.

Some (4) suggested further research, international review or consideration of the bio-availability and bio-accessibility of contaminants in soil and the environment. This work was considered necessary to develop a much needed policy on applying bio-availability within contaminated land assessments.

Some (4) suggested further research on the effects of landfill disposal of contaminated soil. Suggestions included research on the:

  • effects and sustainability of disposal of contaminated land to landfills

  • risks of redevelopment on or near landfills

  • derivation of landfill waste acceptance criteria for a range of contaminated waste.

Table 24: Suggestions for additional research areas, by submitter ID

Suggestion Submitter ID

Protection of ecosystems, groundwater or surface water

20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 59, 61

Alternative and new technologies to avoid “dig and dump”

4, 20, 29, 30, 58, 59, 60

Effects of landfill disposal of contaminated soil

22, 28, 49, 58

Bio-availability of contaminants in soil and the environment

8, 29, 32, 48

HAIL and activity classes

27, 44

Background levels of contaminants

8, 20

Reporting of information

40, 58

Produce consumption patterns / consumption values

27, 42

Effectiveness of current Fund arrangements (ie, funding large vs small sites)

18

Consistent methodology to assess contamination

4

Environmental and health effects of fires

16

Accidental or deliberate releases of hazardous substances or chemical warfare agents, and methods for monitoring

16

A review of how contaminated land for industrial land use is managed

42

Acceptable levels of diffuse contamination (eg, cadmium in soils from fertiliser use)

57

District plan controls

58

The likelihood of historical contamination impacting on large numbers of sensitive populations

58

Zinc-based agrichemicals and disposal methods for zinc products

59

Life-cycle risks associated with modern ectoparasitide (sheep-dip) chemicals under New Zealand environmental conditions

59

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