7 January 2013 – 3.30pm update

Waikato Regional Council says it appears a significant spill of diluted weed spray into a stream near Waikino has had little environmental effect so far but people are being urged to remain cautious over contact with the stream water.

The updated warning follows a spill of up to 3000 litres of diluted weed spray, containing glyphosate, into the Taiari Stream this morning after a spray truck crash. The Taiari flows into the Ohinemuri River.

Council staff have checked the stream up to two kilometres downstream from the accident site and seen no sign of effects on aquatic life.

“So we’re hopeful the spill will have had minimal impact on eels, fish and other stream life,” said compliance and education manager Rob Dragten.

“But we’d ask the public to be on the lookout and report any signs of problems with aquatic life in the Taiari Stream and Ohinemuri River.

“Council staff have taken water samples from the stream and these will take a few days to analyse so we can tell how diluted the spray has become.

“Until those test results are through, the Waikato District Health Board has advised people should take a precautionary approach and avoid contact with Taiari steam water downstream of the crash site. If they do have contact and subsequently have health concerns they should contact their doctor.”

Meanwhile, the local Hauraki District Council has confirmed there are no risks to their public water supplies from the spill.

ENDS

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