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A cleanup for contaminated land at Masterton's old Bentley St gasworks site is now in the pipeline thanks to a new government grant.
Greater Wellington Regional Council is getting a $24,000 grant to take the first steps toward a clean-up of the hundred year-old former Bentley St site, owned by Masterton District Council and closed around 30 years ago.
Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer says previous investigations of the site have identified harmful chemicals such as hydrocarbons, cyanide, phenol, ammonia and heavy metals.
"We need a detailed investigation of the soil contamination so that a cleanup can start as soon as possible," said Ms Beyer.
"I'm particularly keen for reassurance about the Makakaweka Stream, which flows through the site.
"Once the land's cleaned up, the community can make a decision about what should be done with the land. It could be for commercial or industrial activities providing local employment opportunities, or maybe for public open space."
The funding for site investigation comes from the Ministry for the Environment's Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund. It represents 44 percent of the cost of the project, with the remainder coming from the regional and district councils.
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