Three illegal discharges have been detected in streams in the past month and Tasman District Council is urging locals to notify them early when they see murky water so they can trace it back to the source.
Infringement fines for discharges of contaminants to water start at $750 and increase to $1,000 when it is from industrial or trade premises.
Compliance and investigation team leader, Dave Shaw, says recent discharges include swimming pool water containing chlorine, paint from washing down buildings and household products reaching the stormwater system. He says tracing the discharge to the source can be difficult, particularly in urban areas where it has to be chased back through the stormwater network.
If the public notifies the council as soon as they see questionable discharges, he says there is more chance of tracing it to the source.
If it is traced to someone who has been careless or neglectful, he says the council usually takes the education approach.
If it is a repeat offender, someone who should have known better, or the effect on the waterway is more than minor, then infringement fines can be issued.
So far this year, three fines have been issued. In the past month, white discharge has flowed in Jimmy Lee Creek and another time from a stormwater outlet into Reservoir Creek. With the latter, a member of the public noticed the discharge and notified the council, with staff able to trace it back up the stormwater network to the source and an investigation is continuing.
He says contaminants such as paint, detergent, household pesticides and garden sprays can poison fish, eels, and in some instances, dogs. Inside drains flow into the sewerage system, but outside drains flow to waterways, estuaries and beaches, so he says only rain should go down outside drains.
To report a discharge call council on 03 543 8400.
