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Horizons Regional Council

Friday 21 March, 2014

RAL and Petroleum Services to face prosecution

Horizons Regional Council has completed its investigations into the diesel spill which contaminated the Makotuku River in October last year. Given the findings of the investigation, significant public interest and the impact of the spill on the Raetihi community, Horizons has decided to initiate a prosecution against Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and Petroleum Services Limited.

Up to 19,000 litres of diesel leaked from a tank at the base of Turoa Ski Field into the Makotuku Stream, resulting in the shut down of water supply to Raetihi town ship for a number of weeks.

“It is has been a lengthy and thorough investigation and it is now up to the Environment Court to decide on the timeframes for the next steps’” said Nic Peet, Horizons group manager strategy and regulation.

In early March, Raetihi residents returned to drawing their drinking water from the Makotuku River after taking from the Makara Stream in the interim period.

ENDS

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