30 September, 2024

Paint pollution remains a mystery

No source could be found for paint seen flowing from a council drain onto Takapuna Beach at the end of Park Ave.
Auckland Council’s compliance team leader, Paul Northover, said the 10 September incident – reported by alarmed beachgoers – was treated as a priority, but the team had been unable to establish where the pollutant originated. An earlier complaint would have helped with this, he added.
The pollutant was considered to have a low risk of ongoing harm, he said, because it would be naturally absorbed into the sand.
Residents said this was good luck, in that the paint had pooled at the top of the beach, rather than being met with high tides and washing into the ocean.
Discharging pollutants into water is a breach of the Resource Management Act and can result in enforcement action and large fines. Northover said anyone with information about this incident, or witnesses to other discharges, could contact council’s pollution hotline on (09) 377-3107.
People could dispose of unwanted household paint by dropping it at Dulux or Resene stores for recycling, he said.

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