The New Zealand Defence Force has been asked to stop contaminating land surrounding Ohakea Air Base with chemicals from firefighting foam - and it says it has already done so.
On June 13 the Horizons Regional Council sent the Defence Force (NZDF) an abatement notice, asking it to stop washing residues from firefighting foam off hard surfaces at the base and off its fire training area area elsewhere on the base.
It was asked to cease immediately, and also to report what measures it takes to cease by July 1.
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Horizons Regional Council serves notice on Defence Force over foam
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The notice said persistent and toxic PFAS compounds from the foam have been found in 18 of 25 surface waters tested in the area, and can make their way into the Rangitikei River. They are also in soil and in bore water used by some people for drinking.