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Hundreds of liters of diesel have spilled into an Otago waterway, raising concerns about the impact on the environment.
Between 400 and 600 liters of fuel are believed to have spilled into the South Dunedin stormwater system and the port of Otago.
Otago Regional Council (ORC) staff were at the Anderson Bay site Thursday afternoon trying to prevent further spread of the contaminant.
Tami Sargeant, ORC’s compliance manager, said the spill was a serious violation.
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“Given the volume of diesel, we think it’s very likely that someone in the community knows how it got into the stormwater system.
“The adverse effects on the environment from a spill like this can be quite serious.”
The pollution response team put up floating barriers to absorb the diesel and stop the spread of pollution.
“The barriers have been placed in the stormwater drain in the port of Otago to absorb as much diesel pollution as possible and prevent it from flowing further into the port,” Sargeant said.
“There is a quantity of diesel contamination left in the stormwater network that will reach the port through the sewer pipe in the next few days.
Hamish McNeilly / Stuff
The diesel spilled in the port of Otago has raised concerns about environmental damage.
“The time it takes for diesel pollution to leave the grid depends on the amount of rain we receive, but the barriers will remain in place until the diesel stops being discharged.”
Sargeant requested any information on the spill.
“We would like to hear from anyone who has seen or heard something in the last 10-14 days that could help our investigation.”
Individuals can anonymously contact the investigation team by calling 0800 800 033.
