Slow start for Styx Mill refuse station

Press, 28 August 1986, Page 9

Slow start for Styx Mill refuse station

Patronage of the Styx Mill refuse station is off to a slow start, according to the manager of the Christchurch metropolitan refuse disposal scheme, Mr Ray Urquhart. He was reporting to yesterday’s monthly meeting of the Christchurch Metropolitan Refuse Disposal Committee. Figures showed Styx Mill station with 81 tonnes in July compared with 226 tonnes collected at Parkhouse Road, Sockburn, and 172 tonnes at Ruru Road, Bromley. It was too early to tell whether the trend would continue, said Mr Urquhart. “Both the other stations took off in the same slow

manner,” he said. “Remember also it is the quietest time of the year, being winter.” Cr David Close said that it had always been known that Styx Mill would have a smaller volume because its nature was to back up the other two stations. “It is a little bit like an insurance premium — it may seem to be a hefty price to pay but I think recent events have shown that a back-up station is necessary,” he said. Cr Margaret Murray agreed that it was “early days” but felt more people needed to be aware of the station. “I don’t think the report is saying the station wasn’t required but I

think it needs some more publicity,” she said. The bottom line had to be the Styx Mill station’s deficit, which was almost half that estimated, said Cr Close. Emergency procedures and equipment were under review at the three stations as a result of a recent toxic waste leak at the Ruru Road station, Checks were being made so that sand and containers and protective clothing were accessible when a leak occurred. The review was being made in conjunction with the Health Department, the Christchurch City Council’s dangerous goods inspectors, and the Fire Service.