The chief executive of Wellington Water says he is "absolutely mortified" after millions of litres of raw sewage spewed into the water off the city's south coast following a flood at the Moa Point wastewater plant early yesterday.
An equipment failure during heavy rain flooded the facility, forcing the discharge of about 70 million litres of untreated sewage into the sea. Multiple floors of the facility were flooded with untreated wastewater.
It prompted a warning to residents on Wellington's south coast to stay out of the water. The issue was likely to take months to repair.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, Wellington Water CEO Pat Dougherty described the incident as a "catastrophic event", calling it "the worst in my experience without any of a shadow of a doubt”.
He said there would "absolutely" be an independent inquiry into what happened.
“We owe that to the community of Wellington.”
Offensive odours have plagued the city's eastern suburbs after a fire destroyed the Bromley Wastewater Plant in 2021. (Source: 1News)
Asked how such significant flooding could occur, Dougherty said maintenance work at the plant was underway while heavy rain battered the city. Half of the capacity was to be treated, while the other half was diverted through a bypass and was supposed to come together before heading to the outfall.
“For some reason, the outfall was not able to cope with that volume of wastewater, and it backed up into the worksite.
“The outfall should have been able to cope with that amount of effluent so that’s one of the things we need to find out.”
He expected around 60% to 70% of the plant was inundated, with electrical and control equipment likely affected.
In an update last night, Wellington Water said staff would be at the facility this morning to inspect the affected areas and distribute flyers to locals.
Dougherty said today's focus would be getting power back on and changing the flow from the short outfall, which is sending sewage just off the coast, to the long outfall, which sends wastewater nearly two kilometres out to sea.
“We hope to get onto the long outfall in a few days,” but repairs could take months, he said.
“Today’s the first day we will actually be able to get into the plant and see how badly damaged our equipment is, but if it is 60% to 70%, then it is likely to be months.”
He urged locals to avoid the beach.
"Certainly don’t take your dog, don’t take children, the water quality is not good at the moment, and public health is of critical importance to us."
People could still drink water as normal.
Dougherty was absolutely "mortified at what happened" and said he was "sorry" locals wouldn't be able to enjoy the beach over Waitangi weekend.
Wellington Water said the sampling area had been extended from Breaker Bay to Seatoun, with samples taken at sites every 24 hours.
A rāhui extends to Breaker Bay, but does not cover the area of coastline through to Seatoun.
Yesterday, National Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr Jill McKenzie said Health NZ advised the public to stay off the beach and avoid all contact with the water on the south coast.
"Check Land, Air, Water Aotearoa - Wellington Region for information on potentially affected areas. Do not collect or eat shellfish/kai moana from the affected coastal waters," she said.
"If you have been exposed to the water and develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, cough, rash, irritation of the ears, nose or throat, seek medical attention and inform the healthcare provider of your possible contact with sewage. Healthline is a free over-the-phone health service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including raw sewage flowing into the sea, Bill Gates talks about his ties to Epstein, and the Black Foils count down to Auckland Sail GP. (Source: 1News)
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