A Southland mother is fearing for her children’s health after a ban on a gravel road dust suppressant has left them sicker than ever. The dust created by heavy vehicles travelling down the gravel road 15m from where she and her family lived had resulted in serious respiratory health concerns being raised by a doctor for her three children aged under 3. "As they [her grandchildren] venture outside to play and a vehicle goes down the road, dust sends them into coughing fits and their eyes red and running." The Caldwell family could no longer drink the rainwater which had been the water supply for the property since 1954. Group manager services and assets Matt Russell said SDC and Environment Southland had "certainly noticed" the issue had become much more significant since oiling was cut back.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 23, 2021 15:37 UTC