Contaminants and Pollution

Major contaminant spills can have catastrophic impacts on waterways, while legacy issues and ongoing discharges can degrade habitat quality and adversely affect marine and freshwater organisms. Resolving contaminant issues is often complex. It can require an in depth understanding of the pollutants involved, the scale of impact, the habitats and communities affected, potential remediation methods, the cultural and social context, regulatory frameworks, and costs. It is therefore common for a team comprising multiple specialists to be involved. Coast and Catchment have a track record of working on such issues, particularly in relation to coastal impacts. We have conducted rapid ecological and contaminant surveys in the immediate aftermath of major spills, assisted with resource consenting, acted as technical advisors to Regional Councils, and our staff have acted as commissioners in hearings on contaminated site remediation.

For instance, On the 1 July 2013, 1000 litres of methyl violet dye was accidentally spilled in the Oruarangi Creek. Coast and Catchment were contracted to provide an immediate assessment of the scale and potential impact of the pollution event. A team of scientists were mobilised and quickly conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Oruarangi Creek and the surrounding estuary. Hundreds of quadrats were assessed for dye coverage and macrofaunal health, which were used to generate maps depicting the spatial extent and severity of the event.