Sewage leak from Featherston oxidation ponds

A valve used to drain the Featherston oxidation ponds has been tampered with, resulting in wastewater spilling into a creek which drains into Lake Wairarapa.

The incident was discovered during routine maintenance and could have occurred at any time between 5-11 February. It has been reported to the Featherston police and to the medical officer of health.

Landowners downstream of the ponds and Iwi have also been contacted and warning signs have been put up.

South Wairarapa District Council and Greater Wellington have taken samples to measure and determine how much has leaked from the ponds and whether there are any residual impacts from the incident.

The councils are also keen for anyone who may have information about the incident to contact the police.

"That someone would knowingly release the town's sewage into Donald's Creek is beyond belief," Greater Wellington Environmental Protection team leader Nic Conland says.

"This is a serious incident with the potential for adverse environmental effects on water quality and native fish and insects in the creek and in Lake Wairarapa, which is a regionally significant wetland."

Staff from both Councils will be continuing to monitor the situation into next week.