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Avon oil spill - fuel identified

A kerosene-based fuel type has been identified as the substance that was spilled last week into the Avon River. The spill entered the river through a stormwater outlet in Waimairi Rd, but Environment Canterbury environmental protection officers have been unable to pinpoint the point of entry. Laboratory tests indicated that the substance could have been Jet-A fuel (used in jet aircraft) or another kerosene-based fuel-type.

James Tricker, ECan environmental protection manager, says although ECan managed to contain the spill, it came at a cost. “We have spent a total of about 80 hours on the investigation and scrutinised an entire stormwater catchment area to try and determine the point of entry. In addition to that, we had to hire contractors to pump out the polluted water.”

James Tricker says it hasn’t been possible to ascertain exactly how much fuel was spilled, but it’s estimated that it was between 40 and 50 litres.

Mr Tricker is calling on the public for information that could lead to the source of the spill. “We know that kerosene products are sometimes used by boy racers to ‘grease’ the road for maximum smoke and flame effect. Alternatively it could have come from someone with access to Jet-A fuel,” he says.

Anybody with information can phone Environment Canterbury’s pollution hotline on 03 366 4663.

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