New rules for the outdoor storage of tyres
The Government is introducing environmental standards for tyres stored outdoors.
Associate Minister for the Environment, Eugenie Sage says “A National Environment Standard under the Resource Management Act will provide consistent rules across the country around the environmental risks of outdoor tyre storage with regional councils responsible for implementation."
“After public consultation Cabinet recently approved the preparation of a National Environmental Standard (NES) to control the outdoor storage of tyres. The regulations to put the NES into law will now be drafted for Cabinet consideration later this year, and would come into effect in 2021."
“Tyres stored outside can create environmental and health risks, and can pollute land, waterways and the air, especially in the event of a fire. The current regulatory framework under the Resource Management Act differs across the country and does not properly address these risks,” said Eugenie Sage.
The NES will set conditions where more than 20m3 (approximately250 car tyres) are stored outside; including a requirement to set back tyre piles from sensitive areas such as rivers and streams.
More information about the NES for the outdoor storage of tyres is available here