Tail-gate failure leads to sewage spill on South Auckland roads

Aerial view of the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant. Photo / File

A faulty tail-gate lead to a trail of sewage from the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant heading towards the motorway in South Auckland today.

Sewage spilled out along Mark Ford Drive and Ascot Rd towards the motorway after an EnviroWaste truck had its tail-gate fail, resulting in a "sludge spill".

"We are unsure how much sludge was spilled but we estimate 1-2 cubic metres," Watercare spokeswoman Maxine Clayton said.

"A clean-up crew responded quickly to remove the spill and traffic management was in place. The clean-up was completed within two hours."

Motorists who drove through the spill are advised to take their vehicle to a car wash, or if they prefer to wash their vehicles at home, they are advised not to make any contact with the sludge.