By the Numbers – 20 Pollution incidents in Manukau Stream
The Auckland Regional Council is concerned about the state of a Manukau stream that has been the ongoing target of polluters.
The latest pollution incident affecting Homai Stream, in Wiri, took place two weeks ago.
Pollution Response Officer Peter Conway says in the latest pollution incident an area of the stream near McVilly Road was polluted by what is thought to be heavy oil and/or bitumen.
ARC was alerted by a local business who contacted the ARC’s 24 Hour Water Pollution Hotline.
The stream has been hit by more than 20 pollution incidents in the last decade – four of these were in the last year alone. The cause of this latest discharge is still under investigation.
Auckland Regional Council pollution response officer Peter Conway says people needed to be reminded that whatever is put down the outside drain ends up in sea. “Outside drains are for draining clean rainwater – nothing else.”
Those responsible face fines of up to $200,000 or two years in jail.
Mr Conway says as part of their investigation ARC officers have visited local businesses where they have helped several companies improve their operating procedures.
“We came across a few businesses that had issues with waste oil storage which had the potential to cause a serious spill,” says Mr Conway. “When we outlined our concerns and explained what could potentially happen the companies were very happy to make a few minor changes and resolve the issues.”
Water pollution is a serious issue in the Auckland region. Concerns and information regarding water pollution should be directed, in confidence, to the ARC 24 Hour Water Pollution Hotline on 377 3107 or 0800 80 60 40.
For further information:
Pollution Response Team Manager (Acting), Nigel Clarke,
09 366 2000 x8216
Pollution Response Officer, Peter Conway, 09 366 2000 x8673
ARC Communications Advisor, Vaneesa Bellew, 09 366 2000 x8552 or 021 681 922
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