Oil spill clean-up from Kaiapoi factory fire a success, but locals urged to remain cautious
From reporter Amber Allott:
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The hard yards are almost over for clean-up crews after a North Canterbury factory fire caused thousands of litres of oil to gush into local waterways.
But it’s bad news for oil-soaked wildlife, with only four of 20 rescued ducks surviving, and locals wanting to go for a summer paddle are still urged to be cautious.
Australasia’s largest drill bit manufacturer, Sutton Tool NZ, suffered catastrophic damage to its Kaiapoi manufacturing facility after fire engulfed the building in the early hours of January 30, leading to the evacuation of about 40 homes because of the risk of toxic fumes.
Thousands of litres of quenching fluid – an oil used for rapidly cooling steel – also caused an environmental headache in the fire's aftermath, after it entered the nearby Cam River, which feeds first into the Kaiapoi River, then the Waimakariri.
After more than a week working at the site, regional council Environment Canterbury (ECan) is now wrapping up its clean-up operation.
On-scene commander Emma Parr said workers had removed nearly 3000 litres of oil from the waterways, using a mix of absorbent booms and sucker trucks.
A small amount of oil remains in the affected rivers, she said, and would be noticeable in the Cam River, and the Kaiapoi River upstream from the Williams St bridge, for the next few weeks.
“The oil clings to the vegetation and muddy banks and oil can remobilise with tidal changes, showing as a sheen on the surface of the water.
“Although the past few days of monitoring assessments have been positive, we continue to ask people to stay away from oiled areas, for the safety of you and your pets.”
Two riverside spots would need further remediation work after the spill, Parr said, and the team would take a stone-by-stone approach.
“Work to scrape and replace oiled stones and debris is needed at the Kaiapoi River rowing club boat ramp and the public boat ramp by the swing bridge. This work will be completed this week.”
But it was bad news for oil-soaked ducks which had been rescued and sent to recuperate, Parr said.
“Sadly, only four New Zealand scaup have survived out of the 20 that were captured and taken to the South Island Wildlife Hospital. The remaining four are doing well.”
The surviving ducks will need intensive care in the coming weeks to wash and waterproof their feathers.
A condition called wet feather can occur when a duck’s feathers become waterlogged, due to contamination with oil, detergents, lice or sooty black mould, causing them to lose their ability to repel water.
Parr said there had been no other sightings of oiled birds in the past few days, but anyone who spots one, or sees oil in local waterways, was asked to call ECan’s incident response team on 0800 765 588.
Locals can also use the Snap Send Solve App to provide specific details of the location.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
Cottage, small house wantd to rent
Wanted cottage, small house to rent for step dad, with garage or shed for doing up old car. Quiet and reliable teanant. Fit, no smoking or pets
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