Land and water pollution
Pollution news and updates
- Top 5 pollution incidents attended by ARC Pollution Response Officers Fourth quarter 2007 (Oct - Dec)
- Pollution related media releases
Top 5 pollution incidents attended by ARC Pollution Response Officers Fourth quarter 2007 (Oct - Dec)
Pollutant effects
Hydrocarbons (fuels and solvents)
Damage fish gills so they can't breathe, poison animals and burn plants. They contain cancer-causing agents that build up in fish and shellfish. Petrol and its vapours are a major fire and explosion hazard, especially in confined spaces such as stormwater pipes. The heavier components of these hydrocarbons accumulate in the bed sediments of a water body.
Sewer Related Wastewater
Nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates and those contained in domestic sewage promote the uncontrolled growth of plant and bacteria populations within the aquatic environment. Waterways can be choked with weeds or depleted of oxygen by unnaturally high populations of micro-organisms.
Concrete Wastewater
Concrete wastewater raises the pH level of waterways it enters. Levels of pH outside the natural range damage sensitive tissues such as eyes, gills and skin, make it impossible for juvenile creatures to survive and burn or kill mature fish, plants and insects.
Paint, Ink & Dye
Can all be poisonous to creatures that come in contact with them. They prevent light from entering the water, making it difficult for plants to get the energy they need to live and for animals to find food.
Media releases and news
| 20 December 2007 | An estimated 10000 litres of petrol was spilt into a stream in Glen Innes. ARC Pollution response officers were called out to contain the spill, assess environmental effects and coordinate the clean up with responsible parties and emergency services. |
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| 10 December 2007 | Oil spilt in Homai stream in Manurewa. This stream has a long history of pollution; over 20 incidents have occurred here in the past decade. ARC Pollution Response Officers were called out to contain the pollution and organise a clean up. |
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| 25 November 2007 | A 1300L oil spill into the Kumeu River occurred on Sunday 25 November. ARC Pollution response officers were called out to contain the spill. Ducks were adversely effected by the oil which left some unable to fly and others poisoned from trying to clean themselves. |
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