More than a week after thousands of litres of diesel spilled into the Makotuku Stream work is well under way to get Raetihi back to normal.
Horizons Regional Council group manager strategy and regulation Dr Nic Peet said work to prevent further contamination of the stream was largely completed yesterday, with close to 50cu m of contaminated soil removed from Turoa over the weekend.
Dr Peet said staff from Horizons and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, owner/operators of Turoa, had been working to identify contaminated soil by sight and smell, with formal sampling to take place today.
"Digging the soil out and moving it to a containment facility helps reduce the likelihood of further contamination and allows us to focus on mopping up any diesel already in the system.
"Controlled flushing is under way to try and mobilise any residue present in the Makotuku Stream. We currently have two absorbent booms in place to capture this residue and are looking at installing a third," Dr Peet said.