News release
5 December 2008

Greater Wellington investigating pollution incidents in Takapu Stream

Greater Wellington is trying to establish the source of a series of pollutant discharges into Takapu Stream and is keen to hear from anyone who may know more about them. The latest incident occurred last Thursday when a bright orange liquid spilled into the stream from a stormwater outlet at the bottom of Jamaica Drive where it meets Takapu Road near the industrial zone in Grenada North. The discharges have occurred since October and have been varying colours - red, orange and white. "Our Environmental Protection staff were alerted to this latest discharge, and investigated the area for any connected activity," Environmental Protection Team Leader Nic Conland says.

"Unfortunately we were unable to locate its source. However, we have collected samples of the liquid for analysis and we're awaiting results." The Takapu Stream drains into the Porirua Stream, which contains a whitebait fishery and is an important habitat for the giant kokopu, a threatened native fish species. "Our environmental monitoring shows that improving the water quality of our rivers and streams remains one of the Wellington region's biggest environmental issues. Discharges of pollutants like these make it harder for our aquatic animals and plants to survive and flourish," Mr Conland says.

"We are very keen to hear from anyone who was in the area last Thursday or who may know more about this and other incidents." Greater Wellington's Environmental Protection Team manages pollution via a 24-hour, 7-day incident response service, site inspections, and targeted investigations. To report an incident Freephone 0800 4WGN REG (0800 496374) or email environmental.protection@gw.govt.nz

ENDS

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