Minister ready to muck in over spills

David Benson-Pope

Environment Minister David Benson-Pope says he may intervene after repeated sewage spills at the Bay of Islands.

Health officials are concerned over repeated leakages from a sewer into estuaries and Federated Farmers has called for Government intervention.

The 7.5km Bay of Island sewer line has spilled an estimated 2.5 million litres of sewage in the past two months.

Northland medical officer of health Jonathan Jarman said norovirus, spread by human waste, was a possibility after the latest leak into Waitangi Estuary.

"We urge the Far North District Council to urgently fix the problem - even it if means replacing the entire pipeline," Dr Jarman said.

Northland Federated Farmers has requested Government intervention.

It says the regional council should ask for grants and loans under the Health Act to fund repairs to the district council's sewage systems.

Mr Benson-Pope said the issue was one for local government, but if intervention from central Government was needed he would step in.

He had asked the Ministry for the Environment to report back to him by early next week about the situation.

"Until I have seen the requested report and know all the details I am unable to make further comment," Mr Benson-Pope said.

Some marine farmers closed by the norovirus say the Kawakawa sewage treatment station was one of its sources and have sued the council for damages.

- NZPA