The evacuation of around a dozen Tuakau properties during a significant emergency services response last night highlights the dangers of allowing prohibited substances in to the wastewater network.
Residents were evacuated as a precautionary safety measure after Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) were notified of an unusual odour of fuel in the area. After several hours away from their homes, residents were able to return around 10pm. IAWAI, working with FENZ and its contractors, flushed the wastewater pipes and ensuring the contamination did not reach the environment.
The issue was contained to the wastewater network and at no time were stormwater or drinking water systems affected. The exact nature of the substance has not yet been identified but indications are it was a petroleum or oil-based product.
The odour was initially noticed at the Pukekohe Wastewater Treatment Plant earlier in the day and investigations started by water services company IAWAI and its contractor Watercare.
These investigations tracked the substance back to a wastewater pump station in Tuakau, which channels waste from a number of properties. Investigations are at an early stage but indicate a potential source could be a commercial/industrial property in the town.
IAWAI chief executive Peter Winder says the incident is a stark reminder that the rules around wastewater networks are there for a reason.
“We appreciate the efforts of FENZ, Police and other emergency services who responded, as well as our IAWAI staff and Watercare and thank the residents for their understanding. It is extremely frustrating that this entire event was needless and appears to have been completely avoidable,” Winder said.
“Our wastewater networks operate under strict bylaws, with the Local Government Act providing for penalties of up to $200,000 for allowing non-compliant substances into our systems. Costs for dealing with damage to our system can be recovered from people or businesses responsible. This sort of incident poses significant risks to individuals and families, as well as potential damage to our network and plant operations,” he said.
IAWAI will be supporting the ongoing investigation and will provide information to Waikato District Council, which is the regulatory authority for the bylaw. IAWAI is unable to provide further comment on the investigation or potential source.