Contaminated Sites
Aotearoa New Zealand has a history of soil contamination. This contamination is most often the result of activities and industries which took place at a time when there was a lack of knowledge or appropriate legislation to manage hazardous substances. As a result, these substances were inappropriately used, stored or disposed of.
Legislation introduced in the 1990s means industries and activities these days are much less likely to cause land contamination.
The presence of contaminants at a site does not necessarily mean that land is unsuitable for use. A site is only categorised as ‘contaminated’ if activity at the site would expose large number of users to unacceptably high risk. There can be some activities on a site which may virtually eliminate the risk of exposure to the contamination.
Tracking hazardous activities
The Ministry for the Environment has put together a Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL), to help identify potentially contaminated sites. The ministry has a list of 53 specific land uses deemed to have a higher risk of contamination.
Examples of sites in our region that may be contaminated include timber treatment sites, service stations, disposal of wastes, scrap yards, gas works, and sheep dips.
Contaminated sites may pose a threat to both the environment and our health. The inclusion of a site on a HAIL register does not necessarily mean it is contaminated.
Horizons’ role
As a regional council, we have the responsibility to:
Control discharges to the environment, such as a discharges from a contaminated site to soil, air, groundwater or surface water; and
Investigate land for the purposes of identifying and monitoring contaminated sites.
HAIL sites in the Horizons Region
These sites are divided into several categories. Click the tabs to learn more about each.
Contamination confirmed
The site has been investigated. There are hazardous substances present on the site that have, or a reasonably likely to have, significant adverse effects on the environment. The site fits with in the definition of contaminated land in the Resource Management Act.
Contamination managed
The site has been investigated. Investigations indicate there are hazards substances present at the site BUT any risks to people and the environment are managed so any adverse effects or risk to people and the environment are considered to be so low as to be acceptable. Potential occupants of the site should familiarise themselves with the particular management controls for this site.
Note: a change of land use or zoning change will result in a review of the category assignment for this site.
Contamination acceptable/remediated
The site has been investigated. Investigations indicate there are hazardous substances present at the site, but indicate any adverse effects or risks to people and the environment are considered to be so low as to be acceptable.
No identified contamination
The site has been investigated. Investigations indicate there are no hazardous substances present at the site. The site was associated with an activity or industry that uses, stores or disposed of hazardous substances. However, investigations indicate hazardous substances are at background concentrations or lower.
Verified site history
The history of land use has been confirmed. The site has been confirmed as one that appears on the HAIL.
Unverified site history
The history of relevant land use has not been confirmed. The site has been reported as one that appears on the HAIL, but the reported use has not been confirmed.
Property information
To find out if Horizons holds any information about a HAIL activity or contamination on a specific legal site, get in touch.
HAIL Frequently Asked Questions
What is HAIL?
HAIL is means Hazardous Activities and Industries List. There are 53 activities and industries identified by the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) which have the potential to discharge contaminants to land where the activity or industry is taking or has taken place in the past.
Does being a HAIL site mean the land is contaminated?
Not necessarily. A site may have been entered on the register as the site has had an activity or industrial processes that is on HAIL (a confirmed land use history) . However, it may be a confirmed contaminated site through testing.
How does registration affect a site?
Registration of a site has no effect on how the land may be used right now. But if land use changes or the land is subdivided, an investigation to determine the effects of any contamination will be required.
Why does HAIL exist?
To fulfil their functions under the Resource Management Act, all regional and unitary councils are required to keep a record of the location of hazardous activities (past or present) that have the potential to contaminate land. This enables councils to manage potential risk to the environment and to people’s health. The National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health applies to all land on the HAIL register. If the land use changes, the effects of any contaminants on human health will need to be assessed as part of the resource consent process.
What can I do if I believe Horizons' information about a HAIL site is incorrect?
If you believe the information held is incorrect you will need provide evidence that there is no contamination or that the information should be different. You should either call freephone 0508 800 800 or email hail.enquiries@horizons.govt.nz.
What if I want to change the use or subdivide land on the HAIL?
If a site is on the HAIL, the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health applies. Your local district or city council will require a site investigation by a suitably qualified and experienced practitioner as part of the resource consent process to change the use of the land (including subdividing).
What happens if the soil of a HAIL site is tested and results are clear?
When a property has been soil tested and no contaminants have been detected, the category on the Land Use Register is changed from ‘Verified Site History’ to ‘No Identified Contamination’. The site report will be updated to show an investigation has been undertaken, and what the results of that investigation were.