Demoworx trucks have become a regular sight in central Cambridge
A bid to establish a managed fill in Leamington could add up to 8000 truck trips through Cambridge each year.
Demoworx trucks have become a regular sight in central Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Waipā District Council has put the consent on hold as it seeks more information.
ResourceCo Ltd, formerly Wasteworx, holds consents for a recycling facility, vermicomposting operation, sand quarry, and clean fill.
It now seeks non‑notified consent for the new activity, a move the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce says should instead go to a hearing due to “deep environmental concerns.”
Last year ResourceCo was allocated up to $2.57 million from the government’s Waste Minimisation Fund to support the development of the plant in Cambridge, servicing Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki regions.
Penny Simmonds
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds said $2.275m has been paid in stages once agreed milestones were met.
The proposal involves placing Class 3 managed fill into quarried sand pits. Accepted materials would include rock, aggregate, bricks, concrete, asphalt, roading materials, and vegetation. Asbestos may also be accepted if it meets strict waste acceptance criteria.
Earlier this year, a neighbour launched a campaign called Won’t be Quiet Waipā alleging the plant was processing toxic waste.
ResourceCo has applied to Waikato Regional Council for consents to discharge stormwater, dispose of managed fill on land, and divert/discharge groundwater. A land use consent is also needed from Waipā District Council as a discretionary activity.
The view of the former quarry from across the Waikato River at the St Peter’s residential development. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The district council has sought more information about a proposed retaining wall, correspondence with Transpower and a written application for a District Plan rule breach.
A map of the site
The council has also asked the applicant to respond with more technical, environmental and traffic information by November 27 before it can consider the consent.
Through its Auckland agent Saddleback Planning, ResourceCo acknowledged complaints about dust emissions and the alleged processing and disposal of asbestos reported to Waikato Regional Council.
ResourceCo’s directors are Piopio businessmen Henry and Peter Fullerton-Smith. Tamahere builder Zane Beckett, whose construction company was recently placed into liquidation, joined the board last month.
The site lies about 280 metres from the Waikato River and is visible from the Te Awa River Ride, Te Awa Lifecare Retirement Village, and nearby residential developments.
Trucks operated by sister company Demoworx, which handles demolition and asbestos removal, already pass regularly through Cambridge.
Demoworx trucks have become a regular sight in Cambridge. This one headed down Queen Street into the residential areas. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The application acknowledges complaints about dust and asbestos but says any adverse effects will be “less than minor.” Copies of the application have been provided to neighbours on Taawaruwharu Lane, Kaipaki Road, and Cambridge Road.
ResourceCo argues the managed fill would rehabilitate quarried land, provide employment, and meet regional demand for disposal facilities.
The main environmental risks identified are traffic, dust, noise, stormwater and groundwater impacts, and visual change. The company says these will be managed through monitoring, restricted hours, and rehabilitation.
Simmonds said the project had potential to divert significant volumes of construction and demolition waste from landfill, which justified Waste Minimisation Fund support.
“I am also aware that local questions have been raised,” she said.
ResourceCo has now applied for a regional consent to establish and operate a managed fill activity (landfill). This is a separate activity, and Waste Minimisation Fund support cannot be used for that purpose.”
While she cannot intervene in individual consent decisions, Simmonds said she monitors fund projects to ensure proper use of funding.
“I also expect councils to give proper consideration to community feedback and to ensure that environmental and public health protections are robustly applied.”
Demoworx trucks have become a regular sight in central Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
