Photo: Stephen JaquieryAlternative locations for the potentially toxic dross being stored in Mataura are being canvassed, after talks with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) were put on hold. Ministry for the Environment waste director Shaun Lewis appeared before the environment select committee yesterday to submit on MP Mark Patterson’s petition to remove the dross from the Mataura Paper Mill. The building is used to store ouvea premix, a by-product of production at NZAS’ Tiwai Point facility. The petition asks the Government to employ any means necessary to remove the aluminium dross from the site and relocate it to Tiwai Point. Mr Lewis said negotiations with NZAS were put on hold about a week and a-half ago, and alternative locations for the dross to be stored were being investigated.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 30, 2020 15:22 UTC