New Zealand Government reopens asbestos-tainted power station

New Plymouth, New Zealand - A power station that was shut down last year following the discovery of asbestos and has yet to received a full cleanup will soon be up an running again.

Due to a national power shortage problem, the New Plymouth power station will be operating again despite being contaminated with the deadly material. To make this happen without health risks to those involved, the 15 workers responsible for running the power station will be dressed head-to-toe in protective overalls and wearing breathing masks and gloves while working inside the facility.

Industry experts the hydro lake storage levels are at their lowest levels since the power crisis in 1992.

Contact Energy said the plant is scheduled to restart its operations early next month, but it stressed that the safety of the company's employees is the highest priority.

Also inside the plant with the 15 workers will be 60 staff members who will be removing asbestos from the building. The company said all personnel will have the same level of protection when working in the plant, regardless of their duties. There is also a full decontamination process after they leave the building.

The safety measures have been approved by the Labor Department.

A public power savings campaign has not yet been issued by the Government, but the energy industry assured it has one already planned out.

Energy Minister David Parker said that New Zealand hasn't had blackouts since the 1970s, and he doubts any will occur this year.

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