Livestock contamination from farm run-off a hygiene risk

No sewage was discharged at the Graham Road pump station or further up-river during and since Monday’s rain event. But livestock contamination from farm run-off in the wider catchment remains a hygiene risk.

Gisborne Civil Defence Emergency Manager Louise Bennett advises residents it is safe to clean up their properties as long as they follow normal hygiene procedures,

Discharge valves were opened late Sunday night to release diluted wastewater to the Taruheru, Waimata and Turanganui rivers from the city’s sewerage network. This was to avoid sewage flowing back on to private property. The discharge valves were progressively closed from 2pm yesterday with the last valve closed at 6pm last night.

Residents in the Graham Road area were incorrectly advised by Fulton Hogan contractors on Monday that Gisborne District Council was going to discharge sewage at the Graham Road pump station. This was incorrect. Only stormwater was discharged. The closest discharge of sewage to Graham Road happened downstream on both sides of the Gladstone Road Bridge.

Contamination by river water and silt remains the main hygiene risk.

Mrs Bennett said this morning that most of the 40 properties affected by Monday’s flooding have flooded in the past and will flood again in the future.

“I expect that the affected properties are identified in their Land Information Reports as flood-prone areas. We advise residents to follow basic hygiene procedures when cleaning up their properties.

“People should wash their hands with soap and water after handling anything contaminated with flood waters, before eating or preparing food, after taking part in any flood clean-up activities.

“Also, it’s advisable to keep pets outside while covered in silt.

“We advise residents to contact their insurance company for advice.”

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