Infringement Notices for Dye in Stream

By Frank Neill

The contamination that caused the Porirua Stream to run black on 26 September has been traced to Grenada Village company McMud Earthworks Ltd and they have been served infringement notices.

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) investigated the notification the day it was received, 26 September, GWRC Chair Daran Ponter says.

“The source of the discharge was traced to McMud Earthworks Limited.

“The contaminates were determined to be non-toxic black dye and sediment laden water.

“On 28 September 2023 GWRC issued two Infringement Notices to McMud Earthworks Limited for the unauthorised discharges of contaminants.

“GWRC also issued an Abatement Notice to McMud Earthworks Limited requiring them to cease unauthorised discharges and unauthorised use of land.

“GWRC is continuing to provide advice to McMud Earthworks Limited to assist them with

compliance, including pre-application advice on a more effective potential long-term treatment solution,” Mr Ponter says.

The contamination was first noticed by residents of Glenside’s Willowbank Road on 26 September.

They contacted Claire Bibby, the President of the Glenside Progressive Association. She advised the residents to contact Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and she also contacted the council.

When Ms Bibby investigated the contamination she found there were two issues.

One was the black dye.

There was also quite a lot of sediment coming down the stream.

“The dye came first and then the sediment,” she says.

Mc Mud Earthworks Limited is located at 36 Aruba Grove, Grenada Village.

Established in 2004, Mc Mud Enterprises supplies soil and mulch, compost, playground surfaces, and dry and seasoned firewood.

People who have a concern about water pollution can report it to Greater Wellington 0800 496 734. They receive calls for water pollution 24 hours a day.