South Beach closed after substance washed up

Published on 11 February 2014

11 February 2014

Mayor Annette Main today said South Beach is closed until further notice after a substance was found washed up on the beach between the Kaitoke Stream and South Mole.

“Our staff confirm that this substance is not connected with the bypassing of wastewater to sea,” Mayor Main said.

“It appears to be mostly wool and if it had gone through the Beach Road pump station and then the ocean outfall, it would have blocked up the screening process. There is no evidence at Beach Road of this substance. However, we don’t know where it originated. Horizons Regional Council is now investigating.

“Samples of the substance have been sent for testing and we expect the results back in a few days.”

The substance has been on the beach since Sunday evening or Monday morning as there are two layers, indicating two tides. Wanganui District Council staff were notified on Tuesday morning and closed the beach.

“Graders have been working on clearing the beach today and on Wednesday trucks and other machinery will be on site to begin removing the substance. The cost of the clean-up and disposal at an approved landfill is expected to be considerable but we cannot provide an estimate until the quantity is known. We are awaiting the next high tide to see if there is more of the substance.”

The beach will remain closed while the clean-up machinery is on site.