A repair to the Project Pure pipeline (Wanaka waste water) is underway after a fault was detected, Queenstown Lakes District Council general manager infrastructure Ken Gousmett said.

The repair involves replacing a faulty air valve which had resulted in a minor leak into bare ground 500 metres east of the Cardona River Bridge on the Wanaka-Luggate highway.

“The leak was being soaked up and was posing no risk to any waterway or private property,” Mr Gousmett said.

A new part was ordered and the routine repair got underway this morning.

“The repair has meant that we have diverted the waste to the emergency overflow pond at Albert Town, which is designed for exactly this purpose,” Mr Gousmett said.

Although the repair was routine, unforeseen pressure remaining in the pipeline resulted in a more significant spill.

“Today’s spill, which we estimate as being some 100 cubic metres in total, has ponded in one area and is being picked up using sucker trucks. The overflow is not in any danger of reaching the Cardona River,” Mr Gousmett said.

The Council was aware of neighbouring private water bores and would work with landowners to ensure the bores were not affected.

The work is expected to be completed tomorrow.

ENDS

For further information please contact Ken Gousmett 03 441 0499.

By: Andrea Bunting