Statement from IAWAI.
The evacuation of around a dozen Tuakau properties during a
significant emergency services response last night highlights the dangers of
allowing prohibited substances in to the wastewater network.
Residents were evacuated as a precautionary safety measure after
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) were notified of an unusual odour of fuel
in the area. After several hours away from their homes, residents were able to
return around 10pm. IAWAI, working with FENZ and its contractors, flushed the
wastewater pipes and ensuring the contamination did not reach the environment.
The issue was contained to the wastewater network and at no time
were stormwater or drinking water systems affected. The exact nature of the
substance has not yet been identified but indications are it was a petroleum or
oil-based product.
The odour was initially noticed at the Pukekohe Wastewater
Treatment Plant earlier in the day and investigations started by water services
company IAWAI and its contractor Watercare.
These investigations tracked the substance back to a wastewater
pump station in Tuakau, which channels waste from a number of properties.
Investigations are at an early stage but indicate a potential source could be a
commercial/industrial property in the town.
IAWAI chief executive Peter Winder says the incident is a stark
reminder that the rules around wastewater networks are there for a reason.
“We appreciate the efforts of FENZ, Police and other emergency
services who responded, as well as our IAWAI staff and Watercare and thank the
residents for their understanding. It is extremely frustrating that this entire
event was needless and appears to have been completely avoidable,” Winder said.
“Our wastewater networks operate under strict bylaws, with the
Local Government Act providing for penalties of up to $200,000 for allowing
non-compliant substances into our systems. Costs for dealing with damage to our
system can be recovered from people or businesses responsible. This sort of
incident poses significant risks to individuals and families, as well as
potential damage to our network and plant operations,” he said.
IAWAI will be supporting the ongoing investigation and will
provide information to Waikato District Council, which is the regulatory
authority for the bylaw. IAWAI is unable to provide further comment on the
investigation or potential source.
