October 7, 2013

Diesel spill #6: Soil removal nearing completion

Work to prevent further contamination of the Makotuku Stream is largely complete, with close to 50 cubic metres of contaminated soil removed from Turoa Ski Field over the weekend.

Horizons Regional Council group manager strategy and regulation Dr Nic Peet says staff from Horizons and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) have been working to identify contaminated soil by sight and smell, with formal sampling set to take place tomorrow.

“Digging the soil out and moving it to a containment facility helps reduce the likelihood of further contamination and allows us to focus on mopping up any diesel already in the system,” he says.

“Controlled flushing is underway to try and mobilise any residue present in the Makotuku Stream. We currently have two absorbent booms in place to capture this residue and are looking at installing a third later today.”

Dr Peet says diesel in the Stream is widely distributed in very thin layers and initial sampling has found undetectable levels of hydrocarbons.

“The thing that will make the biggest difference now is rainfall. This is forecast for Tuesday, although possibly not in large enough amounts.

“We probably need a fall of over 80mm to really remove residual diesel. Diesel will also evaporate so the recent sunny weather has helped.

“We will be carrying out further sampling following this rain and hope to be able to advise farmers around the availability of stock water later in the week,” he says.

Surveying carried out by the Department of Conservation on Saturday found no evidence of any major environmental effects.

Horizons has initiated a formal investigation of the incident.

More information about the situation as it relates to Raetihi’s water supply can be found on the Ruapehu District Council website www.ruapehudc.govt.nz

ENDS

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