Waipa District Council has moved to quickly contain a waste oil spill in Te Awamutu.
The discharge was brought to the attention of both the Waikato Regional Council and Waipa District Council last night following calls from concerned residents.
Waipa District Council staff have moved quickly to contain the discharge, thought to come from an industrial site into the Managahoe stream.
As the resource consent holder for trade waste discharges through the stormwater system in the district, Waipa District Council has the authority to take immediate action to rectify any breaches.
The spill has been detected approximately 1.5 kilometres from what is believed to be the discharge site. Containment booms and clean-up equipment provided by Waikato Regional Council have been deployed and contractors have also been brought in to pump surface scum and to clean stream banks.
Close circuit television cameras (CCTV) are being used in the stormwater system to trace the origin of the spill.
Initial assessment by council staff indicate the spill is a significant amount of used industrial oil but actual volumes have yet to be determined. Waipa District Council staff are continuing to liaise with the Waikato Regional Council during the clean-up process. It is not yet known what aquatic life may have been affected with the stream being a habitat for several aquatic species including whitebait and silver bellied eel.
Water samples have been collected from both the stream and at the suspected origin point and have been sent for analysis. Subject to sufficient evidence any responsible party may be billed for any clean up costs and prosecution could also result.
Waipa District Council Deputy Chief Executive and Group Manager Planning and Community Relations Ross McNeil says the council has a zero tolerance to polluters.
“Waipa District Council takes pollution of our environment seriously and has a zero tolerance for negligent or deliberate dumping of waste into our natural resources. Where proven, council will take action against those parties who disregard their consent conditions.” he said.
“It is indicative of the value we place on theses natural ecosystems that residents were quick to raise their concerns and advise both councils. Immediate action by Waikato Regional Council and Waipa District Council staff means we have been able to contain the spill and commence clean-up operations quickly”.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Wayne Green
Manager - Community Relationships
Ph: 07 872 0096 or 027 293 8679
Email: wayne.green@waipadc.govt.nz