Antarctic waste

Press, 24 May 1988, Page 12

Antarctic waste

Sir,—The article discussing Greenpeace’s criticism that New Zealand has a poor record of cleaning up around Antarctic camps (May 20) stated correctly that Scott Base is polluting through improper waste disposal around the station itself. It is important to note the positive things New Zealand does with unwanted material so as not to leave the impression New Zealand is wantonly creating widespread environmental havoc. New Zealand/United States field parties return garbage including human waste to base during helicopter resupply. This is

stringently adhered to in the Dry Valleys where New Zealand’s Vanda Station (20 years old) is extremely clean. Until stopped by United States aircrews in the late 1970 s (containers leaking inside aircraft), New Zealand exported compacted glass, chemicals, metals, plastics, batteries for disposal or recycling. Some items are still brought to New Zealand on United States ships. New Zealand does use the McMurdo dump. This will change through continued pressure from the Antarctic community, by increased awareness of alternative methods, and with appropriate logistic funding.— Yours, etc.,

COLIN MONTEATH. May 21, 1988.