Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Waste hazardous substances require careful disposal to avoid adverse effects on the environment. Effects include contaminated sites. Disposal involves a range of technologies including incineration, reprocessing and co-disposal in landfills. None of these options will be available in the Marlborough Sounds area. The present landfills are not suitable for co-disposal and are to be closed before the year 2000. The Blenheim transfer station accepts some hazardous wastes and in the future some hazardous wastes will also be accepted at other transfer stations. It is necessary to have information in order to ensure that adverse effects arising from the transport of hazardous wastes can be identified and managed. There is a need for national agreement on requirements for transporting hazardous substances and hazardous substance information systems. 17.2.4 Methods of Implementation Rules Rules prohibit the disposal of hazardous wastes in the Marlborough Sounds plan area. Education The Council will co-ordinate hazardous waste disposal operations and develop associated management strategies, including fostering a cleaner production ethic and promoting industry based waste management programs. Incentives The Council may initiate pick up and disposal programs for unwanted hazardous substances. The Council will provide transfer stations for the collection and temporary storage of hazardous wastes, including domestic hazardous wastes, before they are transported to more appropriate facilities. Information The Council will participate in national initiatives to develop compatible inter-regional hazardous waste tracking systems. Liaison The Council will co-operate with national and inter-regional initiatives for managing transport of hazardous wastes and developing waste tracking systems. There are no facilities in the Marlborough Sounds area capable of safely receiving and disposing of hazardous wastes. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 provides for the development of a nationally co-ordinated hazardous substances tracking system. 17.2.5 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Remedying the adverse effects on the environment and community health caused by contamination from past discharges of hazardous substances and avoidance of future contamination of sites. Policy 1.1 Promote the management of contaminated sites to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse environmental effects or risks to community health resulting from the use of the site or discharges from the site. 17 - 6