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Dome landfill redundant
In response to your question in Dome Valley landfill: The Redvale argument (MM Aug 2) – “If we don’t put a landfill in the Dome, what do we do with our waste? The case has never been made that a new regional landfill in Auckland is needed. Because Waste Management (WM) makes money from taking Auckland Council waste to its Redvale landfill, it wants to open a new one when Redvale closes. But landfills in our region are owned and operated by commercial competitors. Alternatives for Council’s use include landfills at Hampton Downs (operated by EnviroWaste) and Purewa (operated by Northland Waste). So, if Council can achieve its zero waste aim by 2040, the declining amounts of Auckland landfill waste from 2024 can go both south to Whitford and Hampton Downs and north to Purewa. That is a practical alternative. Also note that the rail line to Portland (and its quarry near Whangarei) is right alongside the Purewa landfill site, so Auckland could get its waste going north off the roads and make good use of the rail line that the Government is upgrading, so it can be used more. Another win-win? The waste-to-energy option is being dismissed as too expensive (debatable) and as encouraging waste, but keeping landfill costs down by making new ones does the same. The real question is – how much does everyone need to pay to avoid an environmentally destructive new landfill in the Dome? The answer should be, enough to achieve zero waste by 2040 and whatever it costs to use the alternative landfills available until then.
William Foster, Leigh
Dog rule stupidity
How on earth do they think there is room for birds to nest at Snells Beach? With houses, people, dogs, cats, predators, and the tide coming into within four metres of the grassed area, they just do not have room to raise a family. These wild creatures need at least 20 metres of peace and quiet away from humans. So, please give the dog walkers their space back, because so-called progress and wildlife do not go together.
Arthur Thomas Hopkins, Snells Beach
Last month, Auckland Council announced temporary dog walking rules to protect endangered birds at Snells Beach. From August 27 until March 28, 2022, dogs are prohibited from all beach areas north of the Sunburst Avenue boat ramp. They must also be on-leash along Snells Beach Esplanade Reserve, north of the boat ramp – Ed.
