27 April 2021
Official information request 8140008446
(Please quote this in any correspondence)
Ben O’Callaghan
By email:
[FYI request #15204 email]
Dear Ben
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
Re: Central Library remediation works
Thank you for your email of 17 April 2021, in which you requested information about the
Central Library remediation works.
The specific details of your request and our response is below
“I am looking for information regarding two issues.
Firstly, there is issue of the cost of testing. As a resident of this city, I would like to
know how much has been spent testing the air quality both before and during the
recent shutdown
Secondly, I wish to know what chemicals have been used in the works that have lead
to the shutdown of this building. The scent of both diesel and rubber have been
noted. Neither of these is advisable for long term exposure. Therefore, I wish to know
what chemicals have been involved in this incident.”
In October 2020, work commenced on the Roof Remediation project for the Central City
Library. This project is to install a new roofing system at the Central City Library and is
planned to be completed in December 2021. The project is intended to ensure the Central
City Library is fit for the protection of heritage content housed there and the services for both
local residents and for the flagship services as a destination for all Aucklanders and was
undertaken as a result of an asset assessment that highlighted the need for the roof to be
maintained and upgraded.
The library was closed on the 1st of April due to multiple complaints from customers and staff
about the odours permeating the building. Acting on health and safety advice and to provide
absolute assurance to staff and customers, air quality testing and product testing was
undertaken by specialist contractors to ensure we could reopen safely. The total cost of all
testing for the entire project is $57,000.
The product used in the project that caused the odour was the product Hydrotech Monolithic
Membrane 6125/EV. The composition of the material is a hot-applied rubberized asphalt
specially formulated from refined asphalts, synthetic rubber, and inert clay filler. The
application of the product created an odour which permeated the building through
compromised skylights and window fixings.
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 |
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz |
Ph 09 301 0101
Decisions relating to the information that is being released to you were made by
Mirla
Edmundson, General Manager Connected Communities. You have the right to complain to the Ombudsman if you believe we have not responded
appropriately to your request. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you have any further queries, please contact me on 09 301 0101 quoting official information
request number 8140008446.
Yours sincerely
Fernanda Maciel
Senior Privacy and Official Information Business Partner
Governance Services
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 |
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz |
Ph 09 301 0101