Dunedin Civil Defence controller Sandy Graham said heavy rain had caused the partially-treated wastewater to be discharged.
Swimmers, surfers and shellfish gatherers were urged to avoid the water around Lawyer’s Head, St Clair, St Kilda, Tomahawk and Smails beaches, as well as Otago Harbour, she said.
The heavy rain had caused ‘‘a significant combination of stormwater and wastewater’’ to enter the Tahuna wastewater treatment plant.
In order to limit the chance of flooding in South Dunedin, the Lawyers Head outfall was opened last night.
“Obviously, there are health risks associated with partially treated wastewater so we need people to stay clear of the water for 48 hours,’’ she said.
Council contractors were checking roads, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure and removing debris.
Some roads remained closed and were likely to be closed for most of today.
For Dunedin City road conditions and other weather-related information, visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/news-and-events/public-notices/alerts/weather-inform.... For any urgent issues, please call 03 477 4000.
Nine people chose to take up the offer of emergency accommodation at Aquinas College.
Ms Graham said: "Now that the city is returning to normal, we’re able to support our Clutha neighbours who are under a State of Emergency and are experiencing far worse conditions, by providing staff and resources to help them through this difficult time."
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Comments
What kind of waste?
Remind us why the waste water is being released into the ocean DCC waste water? The reason is that hundreds of home owners across our small city have illegal storm water drains currently running into the foul drainage system. This in turn causes massive surge loading to the septic system, there should be no change to this septic system no matter what the rainfall volumes. The DCC 3 waters department need to take a stand and do a door to door check of all houses across the suburbs. Then staff need to check every roof and down pipe connection and ensure homes are connected to the correct systems. Then in turn if people/home owners are illegally discharging storm water to the council foul drains give the owners a notice to fix and large fine applied directly to their rates acct. The systems are there for public use, I pay a rates acct that has a fee for the foul drains and Storm water systems. When these stop working I don't think I should be paying for these said services. I'm more than happy to pay raters, but when our toilet stops flushing after 5 hours of rain as it did yesterday I don't think the system is adequate for the purpose, especially when millions were spent 4 years ago.
Quoting: Dunedin Civil Defence controller Sandy Graham said heavy rain had caused the partially-treated wastewater to be discharged. ( ends)
Wouldn’t it be more accurate to say: ‘A decision was made.’ Or even that, ‘Council staff made the decision to discharge partially-treated wastewater.’? Presumably to reduce risk of flooding.
If so, it was very likely the best decision. Or rather the “least worst’ with an under- capacity storm water system. But DCC blaming the rain when they know the sea is going to be somewhat polluted from time to time is passing the buck. And other environmental protection agencies are not likely to be pleased.