Riverbeds are not dumping grounds
Environment Canterbury media release: 29th September 2020
An increase in the number of incidents of people dumping rubbish in riverbeds in the Selwyn district is causing concern for river users.
A pile of 800 to 1000 tyres was found dumped earlier this month in the Waikirikiri/Selwyn riverbed near the Old South Road ford north of Dunsandel.
The tyres have now been removed, and will be recycled, but this incident alone will cost $5000.
Rates pay for clean up
Selwyn Waihora Zone Lead Gillian Jenkins said it was a frustrating waste of Selwyn ratepayers’ money that could be put to better use elsewhere.
“It’s really disappointing to see rubbish dumped in our riverbeds,” she said.
“The community values its rivers, and incidents like this threaten to undo all the hard work that the community in Selwyn is putting in to improving our catchment.”
Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee Co-Chair Les Wanhalla said the river and riverbed are important public and recreational spaces, and it’s disheartening to see them being used as a rubbish dump.
“The Waikirikiri/Selwyn is the heart of our region, and it hurts to see selfish people treating it this way.”
How to report illegal dumping
Jenkins encourages people to contact Environment Canterbury if they see something suspicious.
“The ratepayer should not have to bear the cost of this illegal activity,” she said.
Please note the details of the vehicle and location if you see suspicious activity or rubbish being dumped in a riverbed, and report it: