Erosion blamed for Stony discoloration

25 November 2014

A natural erosion event in Egmont National Park has caused discoloration of the Stony River.

The milky white discoloration is being investigated by the Taranaki Regional Council, which says the source is clearly within Egmont National Park. A water sample was taken and the discoloration was found to be have been caused by fine sediment consistent with the effects of an erosion event.

Evidence of recent slips was observed above the park boundary when the water sample was taken

“It’s another reminder of how our ring plain waterways can be contaminated by natural events on the mountain, where erosion is commonplace and can be quite significant,” says the Council’s Director-Environment Quality, Gary Bedford.

“A year ago, the Waiwhakaiho River ran orange because of naturally occurring iron oxide from a source on the mountain. This time it’s the Stony’s turn to be discoloured.”

The Taranaki Regional Council will continue to monitor the river.

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