Ecan seeks full clean-up costs for diesel spill

Environment Canterbury (ECan) wants about $80,000 from Steelbro NZ Ltd as clean-up costs and fines for a diesel spill that coated hundreds of Heathcote River ducks in February last year.

The clean-up costs total almost $60,000 and ECan is also seeking a fine of $20,000.

Counsel for Steelbro, Philip James, suggested in submissions to Judge Jeffrey Smith in Christchurch District Court that the total penalty should be under $30,000.

Judge Smith today adjourned the hearing to October 25 to enable Mr James to examine ECan's invoices for the clean-up, and to consider enforcement orders which would ensure equipment at the site would prevent future spills. Such equipment was now routinely installed at more modern sites.

Counsel for ECan, Phil Shamy, said the company had been aware there was a risk of the site being entered and a spill taking place. It was convicted because it failed to lock or isolate the diesel pump while the site was unattended on the night of the spill.

But Judge Smith said he would consider whether the company should pay all the costs because it was known there was sabotage and the police file showed that the principal offender could not be found.

Mr Shamy referred to boyracers, while Mr James spoke of "thieves and vandals" who stole diesel from the tank and then deliberately discharged it. The company had been convicted of discharging diesel onto land without consent, and discharging it onto land in circumstances where it entered water.

- NZPA