Truck crash dumps 2000 litres of weed killer

Photo / File / Martin Sykes

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A weed-spraying truck has crashed in Waikato, dumping up to 3000 litres of weed killer into a stream.

Waihi police Acting Sergeant Wayne Harper said the small weed-spraying truck veered off Waihi's Waitawheta Rd after the driver was hit blinded by sun-strike around 7.30am.

"The driver's gone over the edge of a bank towards a stream. It's lost about 2000 litres of pre-mixed Round Up into the area and that's being handled by Environment Waikato."

The driver suffered minor injuries, Mr Harper said.

Environment Waikato warned people in the area to exercise extreme caution when using water from the Taiari Stream and the Ohinemuri River until further notice.

Waikato Regional Council has begun to assess the environmental impacts of the spill and had advised health authorities so appropriate health advice could be issued.

"In the meantime, we're urging people to be very cautious about using water from these waterways until the situation is clearer," council compliance and education manager Rob Dragten said.

Hauraki District Council had been advised and confirmed there was no risk to public water supplies following the spill.

"We're seeking detailed information on the potential effects of this spray in waterways so we can better assess the likely environmental impacts and what action is needed," Mr Dragten said.