Lake Opuha chemicals investigation update

Environment Canterbury has some preliminary information from its investigation into allegations that chemicals may have been buried under the Opuha Dam/ Lake Opuha during its construction around 1994.

The investigation was sparked by reports of a chemical dumpsite backed by an affidavit signed by a local man, published in a recent issue of Straight Furrow magazine.

“The preliminary results of the geo-physical survey of the lake site, undertaken last week by an independent consultancy, shows no indication of a buried dump in the area identified by the informant,” said Ken Taylor, Environment Canterbury director investigations and monitoring.

Environment Canterbury Timaru staff have interviewed around 16 people to see if there is any further basis for the allegations. People interviewed have included locals involved in the dam-building project as well as people who fish in the area and farmers. To date, no information has been provided to confirm the allegations.

However, Ken Taylor said that the investigations were by no means over until water, sediment and fish-tissue sample results were completed.

Water analysis is expected early next week, Monday June 13. Analysis of fish tissue is expected Monday the week after (June 20).

“It’s important that we keep an open mind at this stage until the samples’ analysis is finalised,” he said. “This was a serious allegation given the dam water’s many uses and as the regional council, we have to investigate it.”

Information will continue to be shared with the Timaru and Mackenzie District Councils and Community and Public Health, he said.