Tree roots block pipe - health warning follows sewage spill

The Northland Medical Officer of Health Jonathan Jarman has advised that people should not gather and eat shellfish from Whangarei Harbour, upstream of a line between One Tree Point and Manganese Point, for the next 28 days.

The warning follows a spill of up to 80cubic metres of sewage a day into a tributary to the Waimahanga Stream. The spill was caused when willow tree roots blocked a manhole on Waverly Street in Onerahi. The spill occurred over several days. It was reported to Council at 3.30pm yesterday and the spill was stopped by 5.45pm.

Swimmers are advised not to swim at Onerahi or in the upper Whangarei harbour until tests show that is safe to swim.

People involved in activities that are likely to involve head immersion such as kayaking and dingy sailing should follow the same advice as for swimmers.

People who have contact with sewage-contaminated water should always thoroughly wash and dry their hands with soap and water afterwards. Open cuts or sores should be kept clean and covered with waterproof sticking plasters. If a cut develops redness, swelling, or infection seek immediate medical attention.

It is best not to catch and/or eat fish caught in the upper harbour because of the health risks until tests show that there is no longer any contamination.

People walking the Waimahanga Walkway should keep to the track and out of the water.

Whangarei District Council Waste and Drainage Manager Andrew Carvell said it was very unfortunate that the spill had continued for some time before being reported.

“We encourage people to tell us the moment they believe something might be amiss. It is far better to be called to a false alarm, than to discover a situation with consequences like this.”