Undesirables in the City’s Sewage System

Dunedin (Thursday, 2 October 2014) – The illegal disposal of petroleum products into the Dunedin City Council’s sewage system is impacting on wastewater treatment and resulting in costly clean-ups.

Engine oils and diesel put in to the sewer system have contaminated the Green Island Wastewater Treatment Plant on several occasions this year with the plant’s biological processes being affected. One clean-up cost ratepayers in excess of $9,500, with the oil having to be removed, taken to landfill and all affected equipment cleaned.

DCC Senior Education and Compliance Officer Frank van Betuw asks those responsible to stop disposing of these damaging substances into the sewage system.

Those people or businesses illegally putting untreatable materials into the sewage system could face prosecution and be fined up to $200,000 for breaching the Trade Waste Bylaw. The DCC will also recover any related clean-up costs from offenders.

DCC staff are investigating and testing the oil to find those responsible and have tracked down potential sources located in the Green Island, Brighton and Fairfield areas.

If you see anyone putting illegal substances into the sewage system please contact the DCC on 03 477 4000. If you have engine oils and fuels or chemical wastes to dispose of please contact the DCC on the same number to find out how to get rid of these products responsibly.

ENDS

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