Update about ouvea pre-mix removal

Minute from Alternate Environment Judge L J Newhook

[1] I have today (9 November) conducted a follow-up confidential settlement conference to the one I conducted in Invercargill on 9 September and 4 others held electronically on 28 September, 9 October, 16 October and 30 October.

[2] Constructive progress continues on planning for removal of the ouvea pre-­mix from Mataura to an industrial site. Finalisation of the several necessary contracts is imminent, considerable progress having been made in the last week.

[3] Logistical arrangements for the removal activities are now in hand.

[4] The parties remain focused on the urgency of the situation and are continuing to act constructively and with expedition. Their expectation remains that the accelerated removal from Mataura will be commencing next, the aim being to complete it by Christmas (possibly weather-dependent).

I have directed hard work and urgency on finalising contractual arrangements, and a further electronic conference this week, for Thursday 12 November.