Sewerage Spill - Wanaka

The quick action of Queenstown Lakes District Council contractors averted a sewerage spill from entering Lake Wanaka today.

A member of the public alerted the council to the spill in the Bremner Bay area at 11.10am.

“The spill - caused by a blockage - had exited a manhole and had trailed down through a private property and across the walking track. Fortunately Delta was able to get on top of the spill before it could enter Lake Wanaka,” QLDC acting water services manager John Porter said.

The spill had travelled 50 metres down a slope and was approximately three metres wide and was estimated to be around 9000 litres in total.

The ‘town end’ of the outlet walking track was temporarily closed while the area was disinfected.

“Because the spill is in such close proximity to the lake we have to take extra precautions during the clean-up,” Mr Porter said.

A bund had been formed around the spill with rinsing and sluicing taking place and all run-off being suctioned and removed.

“It was anticipated the closed section of track would be able to be re-opened tomorrow,” Mr Porter said