Pollution Threat To Creeks

There has been a disturbing increase in the number of pollution call-outs in Wanaka and Queenstown, prompting a call from the Queenstown Lakes District Council for members of the community to be watchful, QLDC emergency management officer Brenden Winder said.

“Over the last six weeks we have seen an escalation in the number of reported incidents of pollution in Horne and Bullock Creeks,” Mr Winder said.

Both QLDC and the Otago Regional Council attended each reported incident but had so far been unable to pinpoint the perpetrators.

“Usually we are looking at paint being washed into the stormwater system which in turn discharges into the creeks,” QLDC harbourmaster Marty Black said.

This was often due to ignorance or sloppy contractors but polluters and their employers needed to understand that they faced prosecution and the full recovery of clean-up costs.

“The worst part is that allowing any kind of chemical into the stormwater system directly threatens and endangers a delicate eco system,” Mr Winder said.

Both creeks were important spawning tributaries for Lakes Wanaka and Wakatipu.

The council was keen to hear from any member of the public who observed anything suspicious.

“We are more than happy to investigate any potential pollution report, it’s critical that the community and the council act to protect these precious resources,” Mr Winder said.

Pollution calls could be made directly to Council customer service advisors Wanaka 03 443 0024 or Queenstown 03 441 0499.