The Thames-Coromandel District Council is currently investigating a small wastewater spill that occurred near Coromandel Town over the weekend.

Veolia informed council of a blockage in one of its main wastewater pipes which caused wastewater to leak into the Whangarahi Stream on Saturday night/early Sunday morning.

The Thames-Coromandel is currently investigating wastewater that was leaked into the Coromandel Harbour via the Whangarahi Stream. Photo: Google Maps

The spill took place sometime between Saturday night at 10.30pm and Sunday morning, at about 1.30am. Wasterwater has entered the Coromandel Harbour via the Whangarahi Stream.

It is believed clay and road metal entering the pipe somewhere in the vicinity of Pottery Lane is responsible for the blockage.

Council says Veolia responded quickly to contain the problem and it's unlikely any major adverse effects will be experienced.

'Our Shellfish Contamination Warning Plan was immediately implemented and oyster farm operators were advised of the spill,” says council. 'Thankfully, oyster harvesting operations had finished for the weekend. We have also advised local iwi of the incident and erected signs.

'Water sampling downstream of the spill site began Sunday and when tests show conditions clear for three consecutive days, we will take the signs down.”

The public is being advised not to catch and/or eat fish caught from the area until this Saturday, May 9, because of the health risks. Also the public is advised not to bathe in the area until Saturday.

Council adds: 'This advice does not apply to the whole of Coromandel Harbour; only Preece Point.”

HEALTH INFORMATION:

Consumers of fish

• It is recommended not to catch and/or eat fish caught from the area for the five days beginning from Monday, May 4, because of the health risks.

Swimmers and recreational water uses

• Please Stay out of the water until the warning signs are removed. People involved in activities likely to involve head immersion, like kayaking and dinghy sailing, should follow the same advice.
• People who have contact with sewage-contaminated water should always thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water afterwards.
• Open cuts or sores should be kept clean and covered with waterproof sticking plasters. If a cut develops redness, swelling, or infection seek immediate medical attention.

Recreational shellfish gatherers

• While the area is not usually used for recreational shellfish gathering, council still reminds people not to collect shellfish likely to be contaminated with human wastewater for at least 28 days from the time of contamination.