Samples of a toxic spill that contaminated 1.5km of Stony Creek Road at Rutherford last month are still being examined by the Environmental Protection Authority.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A hydrocarbon oil-based substance contaminated the creek and hazardous material specialists spent more than a week removing the oil from the creek behind Rutherford Industrial Estate.
An EPA spokesperson told The Mercury: “Our investigation into this matter is still continuing and we will announce results when our examination is complete.”
Fines for serious environmental pollution have increased tenfold under new powers given to the EPA.
Corporations will now face a fine of up to $15,000 for committing a serious environmental offence, while individuals can face an on-the-spot penalty of up to $7500.
During this incident, hazardous materials specialists stopped the oil from spreading, by using hydrocarbon beams and fence posts.
They scraped the floating substance off the surface of the water and loaded it into a waste truck.
