Case studies
Paint or pollen?
Numerous calls were received by council in early September 2005 from concerned members of the public advising of a possible chemical or paint spill in the Albany area. Investigations concluded that what had appeared to be yellow paint was in fact pine pollen that had been washed from sealed surfaces by recent rainfall into stormwater drains and into local streams and ponds.
Diesel tank leaks into Wairau Creek
On July 18, 2005 the pollution prevention team at council were alerted to a strong smell of diesel at Alma Road in the Wairau Creek. Through a process of elimination, by working their way back through the stormwater system, testing the water at every junction, the spill was narrowed down to three houses in Forrest Hill. After speaking with residents a diesel tank used for central heating was revealed as causing the spill.
A 1,000 litre tank had been filled in the morning, the weight of the diesel punctured a rust spot at the bottom of the tank causing all the diesel to leak from the tank. It soaked into the garden, entered subsoil drains which discharged into the stormwater system. Because of the nature of diesel it couldn’t be cleaned up however the team were able to educate the residents to ensure it did not happen again.
This incident highlights the needed for residents to be vigilant, if they used oil or diesel tanks for running central heating systems in their homes. If you are using more fuel than usual, then you should check your tanks and the surrounding ground to ensure there has not been a spill or leak.
Common pollutants
Environmental law
Oil stopped by quick thinking
On April 8, 2005 a truck delivering to Schott New Zealand burst a hydraulic hose. Approximately 20 to 30 litres of hydraulic oil spilt from the truck but quick thinking by Schott employees prevented the oil from entering the stormwater system.
Employees created temporary barriers in the roadside gutter using cardboard and dirt, thus causing the oil to pool rather than enter the nearby drain. They then called the pollution prevention team who used absorbents to remove the oil from the road and gutter.
Had the oil made it into the stormwater system it would have had serious effects on aquatic life in Oteha Stream that flows to Lucas Creek.
Pollution prevention