Effluent discharge affects Otapiri Stream

Environment Southland compliance staff are investigating an incident in the Limehills/Browns area where a significant volume of effluent has been discharged into a tributary feeding the Otapiri Stream.

Compliance manager Simon Mapp said staff have been on site at the property this afternoon and actions are being taken to minimise the spill.

Members of the public are advised to avoid contact with water in the stream and dog owners should ensure their dog does not enter or drink the water.

Any farmers who draw water from the Otapiri Stream or its tributaries for stock need to be aware of the risk and make alternative arrangements.

In the unlikely event people are taking water from the stream for household use they should stop or boil the water before use of any kind, for example, drinking, showering, brushing teeth etc. Once the contamination has passed, users should flush their water supply and then chlorinate if possible.

Ends

© Scoop Media