Atlas explains recycling plans

BY: JODEAL CADACIO

Atlas Concrete’s recycling plant in Takapuna provides economic and environmental benefits, the company says.

The company’s comments come as it fights to keep the plant open amid the local community’s determined effort to have it closed down.

Opponents are raising health and safety issues associated with noise and dust from the plant in Northcote Rd.

Public hearings on Atlas’ resource and air discharge consent applications have started and the company was first to present evidence.

Speaking for Atlas were managing director Graham Collie, Smales Quarry owner Geoff Smale, planning consultant Alasdair Scott, geologist Keith Miller, noise consultant Kevin Prosee and leaders of the New Zealand construction industry.

Speaking through its counsel Keith Berman, Atlas says the wide-ranging benefits arising from the plant’s concrete recycling business outweigh the issues raised by the local community.

"There is overwhelming statutory and policy direction that recycling be actively encouraged and enabled.

"Immense positive effects are generated by this recycling process and this activity provides major benefits to the wider community," the company says.

It cites the ongoing East Coast Rd shared cycle and footpath project where recycled concrete is being used.

"The original concrete footpath was dug up, taken to Smales Quarry, broken up and graded.

"One grade is returned to East Coast Rd and relaid as basecourse for the new footpath and cycleways, another grade is reconstituted into concrete which is relaid at the new footpath," it says.

"It is the full cycle, a closed system. It is the essence of sustainable management resources."

The company maintains the recycling plant is allowed under the district plan.

Mr Collie says the plant is deep in the quarry basin and dust, noise and visual issues can be mitigated.

He says Atlas has installed a fully integrated dust repression system, a wheel wash, new plant and equipment and extensive noise mitigation measures.

Being on a central location also makes the plant economically viable for both the construction industry and end users, he says.

"Having a concrete recycling plant centrally located means savings in time and transport

- © Fairfax NZ News