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The dust has settled since alarm bells rang in Tuakau, first sparked by a strong chemical smell in the air.
Firefighters rushed to the town on July 21, discovering wastewater needed to be flushed to clear a hazardous, unknown substance since identified as either a “petroleum or oil-based product.”
As this issue of the Times went to print, questions remain as to the exact nature of the substance, how it found its way into the wastewater system and who might be held responsible.
Answers will come, Keith Martin from Waikato District Council (WDC) water company, IAWAI, expects.
“Investigations into the substance which entered the wastewater network are continuing,” he says. “Samples have been taken and these are being processed for testing. At this stage, we cannot precisely confirm the product which entered the system.”
When and if a culprit is uncovered, they can expect hefty consequences with penalties of up to $200,000. Costs for dealing with damage can be recovered from people or businesses responsible, IAWAI has confirmed.
“[We] will determine whether test results and other information supports enforcement under the bylaw and, if so, to what level,” Martin says.
When Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) responded to the incident, it soon became apparent that there was a problem.
Residents of a dozen properties were evacuated while others were warned to stay inside, the Times was told when arriving on site.
“We’re dealing with an unknown substance,” FENZ’s acting assistant district commander for Counties, Brad Harvey said. “We’re working to flush the substance to the water treatment plant where it can be dealt with.”
Five fire appliances, a HAZMAT unit and an ambulance were at the scene although no one required serious medical treatment.
Later that night, after atmospheric readings confirmed air quality had returned to safe levels, locals were able to return home.
IAWAI thanked emergency services personnel and residents for their help and understanding. How understanding IAWAI, emergency services and residents will be if a perpetrator is confirmed remains to be seen.
“Final decisions are still weeks away,” Martin adds. “We will be taking advice and working with WDC on the next steps.”
