Initial testing of drinking water supplies in an area of Addington, south of Horncastle Arena, where a diesel leak occurred shows no traces of fuel in the water.

“We have done extensive tests on the drinking water this week and the first results show there is no diesel present,’’ says Vbase Limited General Manager, Operations, Chris Mintern.

A map showing the location of the diesel leak.
This map shows the location where the diesel leak occurred.

“We will test the drinking water again in a month's time, but these interim results are very reassuring and provide us with a strong degree of confidence that none of the leaked diesel has entered the water supply.’’

The leaked diesel originated from a damaged fuel line at Horncastle Arena.

The damaged fuel line was fixed as soon as the leak was identified, however, subsequent tests have revealed the fuel line may have been leaking for a number of years and diesel may have infiltrated the soil of the surrounding area.

Work is now under way to determine the extent of the diesel fuel plume and to remediate the affected areas. About 20,000 litres of diesel fuel has already been extracted from the ground.

“We estimate that an area of ground measuring about 100 metres by 50 metres, extending south of the leak site, may be affected by diesel contamination but we won’t be able to confirm that until we start ground testing on private properties.

“We have been in contact with residents and property owners in the potentially affected area and are currently working on a testing strategy with Environment Canterbury and our contractors,’’ Mr Mintern says.

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