15 June 2015

Oil extends to Himatangi

Oil found on Foxton Beach is now known to extend 10km along the shore to just north of the Himatangi Stream and an incident response team is on-site to begin the clean-up effort.

Horizons Regional Council on-scene commander Ian Lowe says members of the team are currently checking from Waiterere Beach to the Manawatu River Mouth as well as past Himatangi to Tangimoana.

“Clean-up crews are limited by the tide and daylight hours. They will focus on cleaning up any large spots of oil tonight before recommencing clean-up efforts in the morning when the tide allows. Any risk to marine life is considered minimal,” Mr Lowe says.

“Samples will be sent to a laboratory to help determine their source, which is still unknown. However, the focus is very much on the clean-up at this stage.”

People are being asked to please stay away from the beach and signage to this effect will be erected in the morning.

ENDS

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