Power to police boaties denied

The Government has turned down a bid by the Northland Regional Council for greater powers against polluting boaties.

The council had asked for the powers to deal with the "Norwalk-like virus", which has closed much of the Waikare Inlet's oyster industry since late last year.

The highly infectious virus is found only in humans and spread by pollution.

The council wanted to issue boaties with instant infringement notices for small sewage discharges from their vessels.

They also requested the power of entry to inspect boats to ensure their toilets could not discharge straight into harbours, especially near marine farms.

But council chief executive Warren MacLennan said he had received a letter from Environment Minister Sandra Lee saying she was not willing to investigate increasing the powers of the council.

She said the present marine pollution regulations were new and she was generally pleased with how the boating community had responded to them.

Consultants identified the dumping of sewage from recreational vessels as one of four possible sources of Waikare Inlet contamination.

The others included the Kawakawa sewage treatment plant and septic tanks.

Despite the unsuccessful approach to the Government, Mr MacLennan said good progress has been made on reducing the virus risk in the inlet.

Staff had been patrolling the southern Bay of Islands, identifying anchored or moored boats with people living on board and checking them for compliance with sewage regulations.

Abatement notices had been served on those not complying, requiring them either to cease living on board or move their boats out of the restricted discharge area.

- NZPA

nzherald.co.nz/marine