MEDIA RELEASE – Diesel spill #5

Friday, October 04, 2013

Flushing and soil removal next steps in clean-up

Soil removal and a controlled flush of the Makotuku Stream is scheduled for tomorrow morning to capture residual diesel from a spill at the Turoa Ski Field in Tongariro National Park.

Horizons Regional Council incident controller Craig Grant says with rain forecast for next week, this diesel would make its way downstream too quickly to capture and a controlled flush will ensure teams can harvest as much residue as possible.

“We believe the soil at the carpark and upper reaches of the stream still has diesel in it. By removing the contaminated soil and flushing the stream we hope to control the amount of diesel that makes its way downstream,” Mr Grant says.

Approximately eight cubic metres of soil will be removed from the Turoa Ski Field carpark. This will be contained on site for long-term remediation and it is hoped it will eventually be returned to the mountain.

Cavities formed by the removal will act as the first capture points for diesel residue. Any residue that escapes into the waterway will then be captured by two booms set up in calmer parts of the Makotuku Stream.

Farmers that take water from the Makotuku Stream are advised there may be higher levels of diesel residue on Saturday and Sunday as the flush takes place. Water in the stream already contains higher levels of hydrocarbons and people are being advised to seek alternative water sources for both themselves and their stock.

Those directly affected will be contacted by Ruapehu District Council.

Information about the availability of water and ablutions in Raetihi is up on the Ruapehu District Council website www.ruapehudc.govt.nz Local residents are also being encouraged to phone or go to the Ruapehu District Council office on Seddon St in Raetihi for information.

Residents are advised that the Raetihi reticulated water supply will be shut down for at least ten days. Fresh water is available via tanker situated at the Seddon Street Four Square.

People who cannot get to the tanker and need water delivered are asked to contact the Ruapehu District Council on 06 384 4447. Showers are being organised for later this afternoon and updates will continue to be provided via the website and local radio.

ENDS

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