MEIDECC compliance officers are inspecting businesses for environmental breaches, with a focus on underground water contamination.
The Ministry for MEIDECC has launched a crackdown on businesses suspected of breaching environmental regulations, following alarming reports of toxic waste leakage from the Tapuhia Landfill.
Minister for MEIDECC, Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, confirmed last Friday that the government is investigating the potential contamination of underground water tables due to hazardous chemicals leaking from liquid waste holding beds.
Concerns over water safety have intensified, with authorities discovering a failure by Waste Authority Limited (WAL) to conduct required water testing at Tapuhia Landfill.
From 2022 to 2023, no water testing was done, raising fears about the presence of harmful substances such as arsenic and E. coli in local water supplies. E. coli can be treated, but arsenic, a known poison, poses a long-term health risk.
A recent audit report revealed that WAL not only failed to address the testing of seven water supplies surrounding Tapuhia but did not address procedural lapses and improve staff expertise in landfill management.
As part of the investigation, the Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health and the Minister for Lands to review whether businesses have checked their water sources for contamination and to report back.
In response to the growing environmental concerns, four businesses have submitted proposals to manage waste more effectively, with the Cabinet set to review them later this week.
MEIDECC’s compliance officers will continue to monitor businesses closely to ensure environmental rules are followed.
About 53 tons of waste are transported into the Tapuhia Landfill every day. The site began operation as a sanitary landfill in mid-2007 with support from the government and Australia.
