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Randal Reef Cleanup Delayed by Two Years
6 Feb
Summary
- Randal Reef cleanup in Hamilton Harbour delayed until 2027.
- A 'structural issue' has caused the two-year setback.
- The project involves dredging 615,000 cubic metres of toxic waste.
The extensive cleanup of Randal Reef in Hamilton Harbour, initiated in 2015, will now extend to 2027, a two-year delay from its original 2025 completion date. This setback is attributed to an unforeseen 'structural issue' that requires addressing before the project can resume its final phases.
The project's objective is to contain and dredge 615,000 cubic metres of toxic waste accumulated from industrial waste and sewage since the 1800s. Despite the delay, the contained nature of the contaminated sediment offers some reassurance. Stakeholders, like the Bay Area Restoration Council, view the delay as a manageable challenge given the project's complexity.
Two boat slips near Randal Reef also require cleanup due to contamination from PCBs, PAHs, and metals. These efforts are crucial for improving fish health and restoring overall ecosystem health in Hamilton Harbour. While one slip cleanup is underway, responsibility for the other remains unclear.
