Queenstown Lakes District Council contractors were quick to act after a fat spill forced the closure of a Wanaka street this morning (Monday).

An Alpine Biowaste Disposal Limited truck completed cleaning out a grease trap and drove from Dunmore Street, into Helwick Street towards Ardmore Street, inadvertently leaking an unknown quantity of grease trap waste onto the roadway.

"It is not clear at this time how the leak occurred but it appears a lever on the truck could have been interfered with after it had been secured. There is no question that in this case the operator is very experienced," Mr Hawker said.

Alpine, which commenced clean-up immediately, had reported the matter to police.

The leak, which carried an unpleasant stench, had caused damage to new seal.

"Fortunately we were able to mitigate the damage due to the fast clean-up response of Lakes Contract Services and Works Infrastructure," Mr Hawker said.

Pollution response equipment was used to ensure no contamination of Lake Wanaka occurred.

The clean-up was further aided by water cleaning equipment brought in from Clyde.

Helwick Street was expected to re-open around 5pm.

ENDS

For further information please contact Chris Hawker 03 443 8197.

By: Tamah