Puhinui exercise to prevent local stream pollution

Pollution response officers are visiting Puhinui businesses this month to check steps are being taken to prevent pollution entering local streams and rivers.

Auckland Regional Council's senior pollution response officer, Matthew Harrex, says the team is focusing on the Manukau suburb because there has been a spate of pollution incidents in the area this year.

The aim of the day-long visit is to identify any actual or potential pollution issues and to work with industries to improve their environmental practices, he says.

Since 1 October 2009 polluters face fines of up to $600,000 and two years in prison, so it's important that people understand their responsibilities under the Resource Management Act.

Read more in the full media release.