Media Release

Stockton Pest Control Programme aims to protect environment

30 September 2005

Solid Energy's Stockton Mine has begun work on a pest control programme that is hoping to protect native species and rehabilitation plantings on the Plateau.

The programme covers 1200 hectares of land and is targeting possums, rats, hares and stoats which kill native species in the area and destroy plantings at Stockton's mine site rehabilitation areas.

Various methods of pest control are being used by West Coast contractor Mike Bygate to eliminate the pests including trapping and poisoning.

A recent baseline survey of the plateau revealed a high level of possums and rats present in bush surrounding the mine site and evidence of hares eating and destroying rehabilitation plantings on site.

The rehabilitation of the "A Drive" overburden at Stockton (material above the coal seam moved to get access to the coal) is close to completion. Since rehabilitation work began on the A Drive in 2003, the area has been re-shaped and the existing slope angle reduced (this helps with re-vegetation) and contour drainage benches have been formed. The re-vegetation of the 4.9 hectare area is now completed with 33,500 nursery raised seedlings planted and a further 2,500 transplantings carried out. Native flora such as mountain flax, manuka, mountain beech, hebes, rata and tussock have been used for the re-vegetaion.

Rehabilitation has also begun on the Mt Frederick, B Drive and Webb 2 Block overburdens. All areas have been earthworked and in the next month 3.4 hectares of Webb 2 Block will have 20,000 and 4,400 transplants planted. 4400 plants and 1600 transplants are being planted in 1.2 hectares of B Drive.

Stockton Mine Manager Mike Lynn says "The pest control programme is still in the early stages but so far progress is good. We're looking forward to seeing the benefits in the future."

For further information contact:

Vicki Blyth,
Communications Director,
Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd,
Phone 03 345 6000, m
Mobile 021 670 250,
Email vicki.blyth@solidenergy.co.nz

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