Orchardist describes quarry 'threat'

Dust from the proposed Seadown quarry could threaten overseas fruit exports at a time when Waipopo Orchards was planning a big expansion.

Orchard packhouse and office manager Janis Millar told hearing commissioner Patricia Harte, she was concerned about possible contamination of the groundwater and the impact of dust on the fruit trees and fruit, from the quarry Rooney Holdings wanted to establish in Seadown.

"Our packhouse accreditation for export relies on a potable water supply for food safety. We have a zero tolerance to any irregularity in our water as we have to meet very strict European standards required in our Global Gap and British Retail Consortium accreditations. Any contamination will have serious consequences for our packhouse operation which will be placed in jeopardy."

She was also concerned at the impact of dust from the quarry on existing orchards and future plantings.

"Dust will have a significant effect on our trees in terms of growth and effectiveness of chemicals. Dust contamination of stone fruit will immediately render the fruit unsuitable for sales as there is no way of removing the contamination with water or anything else for that matter."

The reduction in bunding planned for the site would dramatically increase dust risks from the site, Mrs Millar said.

While pip fruit can be washed to remove contamination on a large part of the fruit, the stem and calyx end contamination can be very difficult to remove, meaning the fruit might not reach export standards.

The orchard enjoyed a close relationship with its neighbours at all four orchard sites, with those neighbours recognising fruit can be at risk from contamination and working with staff to mitigate any affects on the orchard operation.

The company's planted orchard area has trebled in the last four years, and production is set to increase dramatically over the next two seasons.

That will lead to a massive increase in traffic, both to and away from the orchard and packhouse. Between 200 to 300 orchard staff will be using the road during the February to June season as well.The only method of access was by Seadown and Waipopo roads.

Mrs Millar said Rooney Holdings was incorrect to assume that they alone would be contributing to the increase in traffic, and with the additional orchard traffic, the roads would be hard pressed to cope.

Heavy traffic from the quarry could leave the roads in such a state of repair that there was a "very real possibility that our delicate fruit could be damaged whilst in transit to market".

- © Fairfax NZ News