A pollution incident today, that saw an unknown quantity of acrylic paint enter Horne Creek, is under investigation, CivicCorp enforcement principal manager Tim Francis said.

The Council received a report that something was discolouring the creek this morning.

"Lakes Contract Services was called and was able to isolate the paint in the stormwater sump," Mr Francis said.

The source of the paint was traced to contractors allegedly cleaning painting equipment and allowing paint spillage directly into a stormwater drain on a building site on Hallenstein Street.

"We have had half a dozen cases in the last month where contractors have simply used the stormwater drains as cleaning areas. There needs to be better awareness amongst contractors working in this town. The Council takes any threat to the environment extremely seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute," Mr Francis said.

A painting company and a contractor had been advised of the allegation and an explanation would be sought and considered before the Council determined the course of action, Mr Francis said.

The penalty for a contravention of this nature was a heavy hitting fine or imprisonment.

"The Council has the option of imposing an infringement fine of $750 for any person who has caused or undertaken the offence In other words the direct offender, foremen, project managers and companies," Mr Francis said.

In serious cases charges could be laid before the court where the maximum penalty was a fine not exceeding $200,000 or a term of imprisonment of not more than two years.

The Horne Creek investigate was expected to be completed within two weeks, Mr Francis said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Tim Francis 027 293 1041.

By: Tamah