Public Information Update: 1700 hours Monday 11 April 2011
Chemical toilet distribution during the weekend
1200 chemical toilets were handed out from pick-up locations in six of the eastern suburbs on Saturday to residents in those suburbs who missed the initial delivery.
Residents in the chemical toilet distribution areas who have not received a chemical toilet or are having trouble operating their chemical toilet should call 03 941-8999.
Chemical toilet additives
There are no issues with using the additives supplied with chemical toilets.
Due to the tiny amounts involved, there is no effect at the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant. The concentration of the active ingredients (sulfamic acid and bronopol) in the products is well within international limits.
These additives pose no greater risk to public health than other astringent cleaning products in homes, which, if used with care, are not hazardous. As with all household cleaning products, it is recommended that these additives be kept out of the reach of children.
The additives should be disposed of in the tanks provided – not in portaloos, gardens, existing toilets or any other receptacle, because this is good health practice and doesn’t stress the sewerage system.
Do not remove placards
Only Civil Defence can remove placards from buildings. While a State of Emergency is in place, placards must remain on display.
If a building has a yellow or red placard, a detailed engineering evaluation is required before placard status can be reviewed. (Building owners should contact EQC for advice in engaging a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer.)
If after engaging a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer the owner has carried out work, the yellow or red placard must stay in place until a Civil Defence reassessment has been made.
A reassessment can be arranged by sending the engineer’s report to cdrescue@ccc.govt.nz. A Civil Defence engineer will visit the building to make the reassessment and may recommend to have placard status changed.
Reduction of cordons Zone 4 North and Zone 7A
Accessing Montreal Street in Zone 4 – Drivers entering Montreal Street north of the Arts Centre are reminded that there is no left turn from Bealey Avenue into Montreal – this is a one-way system north. However, it is possible to turn left from Bealey Avenue down Victoria Street, and then left into Montreal Street.
Zone 7A – Chester Street East, Madras Street, Barbadoes Street and Oxford Terrace was opened to residents and business owners today, and will be open to the public from 8am tomorrow [Tuesday 12 April]. Military checkpoints will remain in place after 7A Zone has opened to the public to ensure there is no unauthorised entry into Zones 6, 7 and the Red Zone.
Car washes are starting again
Civil Defence is allowing car washes to operate again in some areas – this is because 80 per cent of water used in this process is recycled, and relatively little water is used, making car washing operations extremely efficient. Residents are asked to conserve water as this reduces pressure on the wastewater network and reduces demand on the water supply network.
Voting in the upcoming election
Christchurch residents who have moved will still be able to vote in the General Election later this year, regardless of where they are now living.
The Electoral Enrolment Centre has put together a flyer to help advise those who have been affected by the earthquake. The flyer is available on http://www.elections.org.nz/enrolment/cantabrians-you-can-still-have-your-say.html
REMINDERS
Boil water notice lifted across the city:
1200 chemical toilets were handed out from pick-up locations in six of the eastern suburbs on Saturday to residents in those suburbs who missed the initial delivery.
Residents in the chemical toilet distribution areas who have not received a chemical toilet or are having trouble operating their chemical toilet should call 03 941-8999.
Chemical toilet additives
There are no issues with using the additives supplied with chemical toilets.
Due to the tiny amounts involved, there is no effect at the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant. The concentration of the active ingredients (sulfamic acid and bronopol) in the products is well within international limits.
These additives pose no greater risk to public health than other astringent cleaning products in homes, which, if used with care, are not hazardous. As with all household cleaning products, it is recommended that these additives be kept out of the reach of children.
The additives should be disposed of in the tanks provided – not in portaloos, gardens, existing toilets or any other receptacle, because this is good health practice and doesn’t stress the sewerage system.
Do not remove placards
Only Civil Defence can remove placards from buildings. While a State of Emergency is in place, placards must remain on display.
If a building has a yellow or red placard, a detailed engineering evaluation is required before placard status can be reviewed. (Building owners should contact EQC for advice in engaging a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer.)
If after engaging a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer the owner has carried out work, the yellow or red placard must stay in place until a Civil Defence reassessment has been made.
A reassessment can be arranged by sending the engineer’s report to cdrescue@ccc.govt.nz. A Civil Defence engineer will visit the building to make the reassessment and may recommend to have placard status changed.
Reduction of cordons Zone 4 North and Zone 7A
Accessing Montreal Street in Zone 4 – Drivers entering Montreal Street north of the Arts Centre are reminded that there is no left turn from Bealey Avenue into Montreal – this is a one-way system north. However, it is possible to turn left from Bealey Avenue down Victoria Street, and then left into Montreal Street.
Zone 7A – Chester Street East, Madras Street, Barbadoes Street and Oxford Terrace was opened to residents and business owners today, and will be open to the public from 8am tomorrow [Tuesday 12 April]. Military checkpoints will remain in place after 7A Zone has opened to the public to ensure there is no unauthorised entry into Zones 6, 7 and the Red Zone.
Car washes are starting again
Civil Defence is allowing car washes to operate again in some areas – this is because 80 per cent of water used in this process is recycled, and relatively little water is used, making car washing operations extremely efficient. Residents are asked to conserve water as this reduces pressure on the wastewater network and reduces demand on the water supply network.
Voting in the upcoming election
Christchurch residents who have moved will still be able to vote in the General Election later this year, regardless of where they are now living.
The Electoral Enrolment Centre has put together a flyer to help advise those who have been affected by the earthquake. The flyer is available on http://www.elections.org.nz/enrolment/cantabrians-you-can-still-have-your-say.html
REMINDERS
Boil water notice lifted across the city:
- The Canterbury District Health Board is satisfied that Christchurch tap water is now safe to drink without boiling.
- The boil water notice has been lifted across all suburbs in Christchurch, Lyttelton and Banks Peninsula.
- Reduced speed limits are being introduced on earthquake damaged roads in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs to prevent further deterioration and allow for repairs
- Police will be enforcing the new 30kph speed limits in: Avondale, Avonside, Burwood, Clifton/Richmond Hill, Dallington, Ferrymead, Horseshoe Lake, New Brighton, North New Brighton, Parklands, Richmond, St Andrews/Mt Pleasant/Balmoral Hill, Sumner, Waimari Beach/Northshore.
- Evans Pass Road is closed this week to allow blasting, and placement and removal of rockfall-arresting containers.
- The road is closed as follows: Tuesday 12 April to Thursday 14 April: intermittent closures up to 2 hours, between 8am – 5pm; Friday 15 April: 8.30am to 5.00pm.
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Water and Wastewater advice for property owners in cordon reduction areas
Water supply has been restored to all zones in the cordoned area, excluding the Red Zone.
Some properties have had their water shut off at the valve in the street, which means it may appear that they have no water. However, water can be restored by:
Step 1: turning on the valve in the street outside the premises,
Step 2: run your outside tap for five minutes to clear any sand in the line, then
Step 3: run water from the highest tap in the property (if possible) to remove any air that could be locked within your pipes,
Step 4: clear old water from all lines in your property and/or premises. Do this before using any water.
You should also:
Wastewater (Sewer)
It is possible to test whether your property’s wastewater system is operational.
Please test your sewer system by flushing a toilet or running a tap. Water should run freely through your drain – if it does not then a drain layer may be required to unblock the pipes that connect to the sewer.
If you are outside the suburbs where chemical toilets and disposal tanks have been distributed and your toilet is flushing and draining away, you can use it sparingly. However, check that it isn’t draining onto your or your neighbour’s property. If it is, contact a drain layer.
Some properties have had their water shut off at the valve in the street, which means it may appear that they have no water. However, water can be restored by:
Step 1: turning on the valve in the street outside the premises,
Step 2: run your outside tap for five minutes to clear any sand in the line, then
Step 3: run water from the highest tap in the property (if possible) to remove any air that could be locked within your pipes,
Step 4: clear old water from all lines in your property and/or premises. Do this before using any water.
You should also:
- Check hot water cylinders are flushed and full before restoring power to the cylinders. Any air locks on the cylinders could cause heating elements to burn out. Your plumber must check this for you.
- If you have sprinklers in your building please ensure a registered fire company inspects and tests the sprinkler system before reoccupying. This is to check for leaks in the system that could cause further damage or the system to malfunction.
- Industrial premises are advised to check all water lines before reinstating pressure to the lines. These lines should be run to a drain to clear any sand or old water sitting in the lines.
- Check for water leaks. If there are any water leaks within your property it should be repaired by a plumber or drain layer. The Council will fix leaks on public properties and road. Call (03) 941 8999. You can isolate the supply by closing the valve in the street outside your property.
Wastewater (Sewer)
It is possible to test whether your property’s wastewater system is operational.
Please test your sewer system by flushing a toilet or running a tap. Water should run freely through your drain – if it does not then a drain layer may be required to unblock the pipes that connect to the sewer.
If you are outside the suburbs where chemical toilets and disposal tanks have been distributed and your toilet is flushing and draining away, you can use it sparingly. However, check that it isn’t draining onto your or your neighbour’s property. If it is, contact a drain layer.
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Operation Hold Fast
Royal New Zealand Engineers are making their way around the Red Zone – checking the security of buildings damaged by the 22 February earthquake.
The purpose of Operation Hold Fast is to ensure the security of businesses. Business owners who return to find their building boarded up are asked to collect keys from Civil Defence for safe entry into their premises.
Led by Lieutenant Mike Clulow, members of 3 Field Troop from Burnham including carpenters, plumbers, electricians and field engineers – all highly experienced in working in tough environments such as Afghanistan and East Timor, are now ensuring the security of more than 400 buildings in the city’s Red Zone.
“This is the first time the New Zealand Army has been involved in a project of this kind in New Zealand,” he says.
“We have over 30 personnel including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plant operators and field engineers working to secure potentially more than 400 buildings in the central city.”
“We have found each building comes with it’s own unique challenges. Some are partially collapsed and we’re working in conditions that include heavy dust and debris, rotting food contamination, and there is always the risk of the buildings themselves.”
“Each building requires a unique approach in securing the premises and we have improvised where necessary. Our team has utilized multiple methods and a variety of materials including more than 100 metres of razor wire, 300 sheets of plywood, two kilometres of timber and more than 200 padlocks and latches.” Lt Clulow said.
“In some instances we have built false walls where total frontages had disappeared or erected high razor wire to protect upper levels.”
“Operation Hold Fast has allowed us to secure many buildings from the elements and ensure the safety of both buildings and contents in support for the New Zealand public.”
Operation Hold Fast will be working throughout the central city and the red zone this week up to Friday 15 April.
Business owners with approved access to their premises and who find their premises boarded up are asked to collect keys from Civil Defence’s E.O.C at the Art Gallery. All keys are to held at the cordon management office and will be available to business owners with appropriate identification.
The purpose of Operation Hold Fast is to ensure the security of businesses. Business owners who return to find their building boarded up are asked to collect keys from Civil Defence for safe entry into their premises.
Led by Lieutenant Mike Clulow, members of 3 Field Troop from Burnham including carpenters, plumbers, electricians and field engineers – all highly experienced in working in tough environments such as Afghanistan and East Timor, are now ensuring the security of more than 400 buildings in the city’s Red Zone.
“This is the first time the New Zealand Army has been involved in a project of this kind in New Zealand,” he says.
“We have over 30 personnel including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plant operators and field engineers working to secure potentially more than 400 buildings in the central city.”
“We have found each building comes with it’s own unique challenges. Some are partially collapsed and we’re working in conditions that include heavy dust and debris, rotting food contamination, and there is always the risk of the buildings themselves.”
“Each building requires a unique approach in securing the premises and we have improvised where necessary. Our team has utilized multiple methods and a variety of materials including more than 100 metres of razor wire, 300 sheets of plywood, two kilometres of timber and more than 200 padlocks and latches.” Lt Clulow said.
“In some instances we have built false walls where total frontages had disappeared or erected high razor wire to protect upper levels.”
“Operation Hold Fast has allowed us to secure many buildings from the elements and ensure the safety of both buildings and contents in support for the New Zealand public.”
Operation Hold Fast will be working throughout the central city and the red zone this week up to Friday 15 April.
Business owners with approved access to their premises and who find their premises boarded up are asked to collect keys from Civil Defence’s E.O.C at the Art Gallery. All keys are to held at the cordon management office and will be available to business owners with appropriate identification.
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Boil water notice lifted
Effective immediately, the boil water notice has been lifted across all suburbs in Christchurch, Lyttelton, and Banks Peninsula. You do not have to boil or treat drinking water any more. However, your water supply may still be chlorinated.
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Posted in Water
Media Advisory 5:00 pm, Friday 8th April: Public Information Update
Boil water notice lifted across the city
The Medical Officer of Health is satisfied that Christchurch tap water is now safe to drink without boiling. The boil water notice has been lifted across all suburbs in Christchurch, Lyttelton and Banks Peninsula.Despite the lifting of the notice people should still conserve water. The Christchurch water supply and waste water infrastructure is still fragile and we need to avoid putting undue pressure on it.
The Christchurch City Council will continue sampling to ensure that water remains safe to drink.
The Canterbury District Health Board plans to remove the chlorine from the Christchurch water supply as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.
People returning to their houses or business premises for the first time since the boil water notice has been lifted should turn on all the taps and let them run for a minimum of five minutes. If after five minutes the water is still discoloured, they should continue to run the taps until the water is clear.
Roading – 30kph speed limits introduced in eastern suburbs
Reduced speed limits are being introduced on earthquake damaged roads in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs to prevent further deterioration and allow for repairs.Police will be enforcing the new 30kph speed limits in the following areas: Avondale, Avonside, Burwood, Clifton/Richmond Hill, Dallington, Ferrymead, Horseshoe Lake, New Brighton, North New Brighton, Parklands, Richmond, St Andrews/Mt Pleasant/Balmoral Hill, Sumner, Waimari Beach/Northshore.
The reduced speed limit will remain in place until the roads have been repaired.
Road Closure – Evans Pass Road
It is likely road closures will be in place on Evans Pass Road next week to allow blasting, and placement and removal of rockfall-arresting containers.- Monday 11 April and Friday 15 April: 8.30am to 5.00pm.
- Tuesday 12 April to Thursday 14 April: intermittent closures up to 2 hours, between 8am – 5pm.
Chemical toilets
More chemical toilets will be delivered to eleven specified pick-up locations in some eastern suburbs this Saturday 9 April between 8:30 am and 11:30 am. Residents will need to bring proof of address and identity, e.g. a power bill and drivers licence.Instructions on how to use the chemical toilet will come with it.
The chemical toilets are being delivered to the following locations for pick up:
Dallington
- Corner Achilles and Bampton Streets
- Corner McBratneys Road and Fleete Street
- Corner New Brighton Road and Queensbury Street
Avondale
- Corner Avondale and Breezes Roads (at Breezes Rd shopping centre)
- Corner New Brighton Road and Baker Street
Wainoni
- Corner Wainoni Road and Orrick Crescent
Aranui
- Corner Pages and Breezes Roads (on Breezes Rd, south side of intersection)
- Corner Carisbrooke and Soberton Streets
North New Brighton
- Corner Bower Avenue and Sandy Road
New Brighton
- Corner
Seaview RoadHawke St and Shaw Avenue (opposite fire station)
South New Brighton
- 128 Rockinghorse Road
Reduction of cordons Zone 4 North and Zone 7A
Zone 4 North, encompassing Bealey Avenue, Salisbury Street, Montreal Street and Park Terrace, will open to residents and business owners from 8am on Sunday 10 April and to the public from 8am on Monday 11 April.Zone 7A, encompassing Chester Street East, Madras Street, Barbados Street and Oxford Terrace, will open to residents and business owners on Monday 11 April and to the public from 8am on Tuesday 12 April.
This will help with access for residents who live in the Avonside Loop and will enable businesses with approved, safe buildings to operate.
Military checkpoints will remain in place after 7A Zone has opened to the public to ensure there is no unauthorised entry into Zones 6, 7 and the Red Zone.
Further cordon charges around Zone 7 are expected early next week.
Time capsules to be opened by Mayor Bob Parker
Following the earthquake two time capsules (one glass and one sealed copper tube) were discovered beneath the Godley Statue in Cathedral Square.A third time capsule (sealed tin box) has been unearthed in the old Civic Building on Manchester Street. All time capsules are in the care of Canterbury Museum.
Mayor Bob Parker will open the two sealed time capsules at Canterbury Museum on Tuesday 12 April at 2.00pm. Media are invited to attend.
Community briefings
There are no community briefings this weekend. Community briefings will be held the following weekend. Full details are on this page.Seismic reflection survey for Brighton Beach
Seismic reflection equipment is currently being used along New Brighton Beach from south end of Rocking Horse Road to the New Brighton Pier.The purpose of this work is to determine the structure of the ground below.
The seismic unit is working above the high tide level on the beach on Saturday 9 April and possibly into Sunday 10 April depending on progress.
Once the survey along New Brighton Beach is completed the unit will be moving inland to run a similar survey within the CBD.
Red Cross Hardship grants close on Monday
Red Cross hardship grants close on Monday 11 April, 5pm.Residents can apply at Canterbury’s Red Cross Head Office at 34 Birmingham Drive, open 9am to 5pm Monday (closed over the weekend) or at any of their eight Recovery Assistance Centres, open until midday Saturday.
Forms can be downloaded from www.redcross.org.nz or from any open WINZ office.
The Red Cross is considering the next round of grants and hope to have information next week.
Call 0800 754 726 for more details.
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Posted in CBD, CCC Media Release, Chemical toilets, Community Briefing, Cordon, Earthquake Briefings, Water
