Earthquakes affect Port Hills work

A further 63 properties on the Port Hills have received red placards this week as a result of Monday’s aftershocks and assessments are still being carried out on the extent of the damage.

Earthquakes on Monday 13 June have caused significant extra rockfall and land movement hazard in the Port Hills and geotechnical engineers have been working this week to reassess the danger for people and property. Early assessments indicate that remediation work carried out since 22 February was successful in reducing the risk to homes during Monday’s earthquakes. The hill areas worst-affected by Monday’s quakes were around Sumner, including Scarborough and Whitewash Head.

Some of the major additional work being carried out this week and next includes:
 

• Heberden Avenue – extra sections have been closed and containers put in place because of rockfall hazard and cracking.
• Evans Pass Road – new rock fall hazard has been identified above the road and road closure during daylight hours may be necessary when remedial work begins next week.
• Esplanade to Whitewash Head – additional make-safe work is required.
• Wakefield Avenue – extra containers are being put in place to protect the area from potential rockfalls. The cliffs in this area are now badly cracked.
• Richmond Hill – potentially dangerous large rocks are likely to be blasted.
• Clifton Terrace – a new access road to the Summit Road has been opened and an additional emergency access route is being investigated.
• Shag Rock Reserve (formerly known as Peacock’s Gallop) – containers with ballast are being placed so two traffic lanes can be reopened soon.

People using the Port Hills are asked to keep away from cliff edges and fenced areas and follow advice on warning or danger signs.

Council General Manager Regulation and Democracy Peter Mitchell says geotechnical engineers will continue to issue red placards on houses that are considered dangerous. Dangerous building notices have been issued under Section 124 of the Building Act.

“The notices have been put in place because there is a danger to the buildings from rockfall or land movement and it is not safe to enter. Reassessment and remediation work will be carried out over coming weeks and months and residents will be informed when it is safe to re-enter their properties.

“The process for determining when it is safe for residents to return to their properties is still being developed and peer reviewed by an international expert in rockfalls to ensure that it is consistent with international best practice. Monday’s earthquakes have had a impact on timelines as the priority has shifted to the reassessment of danger and immediate remedial work. Ultimately, decisions on when red placards will be removed will be made with input from a number of organisations through a robust process that has the safety of people and their homes as its main aim. We will keep you informed as this process is developed and timeframes established,” Mr Mitchell says.

From next week, the Earthquake Commission (EQC) is sending geotechnical engineers from the Land Damage Assessment Team (LDAT) managed by Tonkin & Taylor into the Port Hills area to begin rapid land damage mapping. The LDAT undertakes land damage assessments for EQC after natural disasters to inform insurance payouts. These engineers will be identifiable by EQC high-visibility vests and “Land Damage Assessment Team” identification badges.