Major Sewage Spill in Wellington Linked to Timber Blockage
Island Bay sewage spill caused by pieces of timber, Wellington Water says
Image: Nzherald
A sewage spill in Island Bay, Wellington, was caused by two pieces of timber blocking the sewage network, leading to raw sewage flowing down the street and affecting local properties. A daycare was closed due to health concerns, prompting community outrage and discussions on infrastructure maintenance.
- 01The sewage spill occurred on Friday, causing raw sewage to flow down Island Bay Parade and back up in several properties.
- 02Wellington Water's Chris Fleck confirmed that two pieces of timber blocked the sewage network, leading to the overflow.
- 03Local business owner Fran de Gregorio reported ongoing sewage issues at her mother's property despite efforts to clear the blockage.
- 04The city's stormwater network, some of which dates back to the late 1800s, is not designed for extreme weather events.
- 05Residents expressed frustration over the maintenance of the drainage systems during a public meeting following the spill.
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A significant sewage spill occurred in Island Bay, Wellington, on Friday, attributed to two pieces of timber blocking the sewage network. This incident led to raw sewage flowing down the main street and backing up in several properties, prompting health concerns that forced a local daycare center to close. Wellington Water's Chris Fleck explained that the timber likely entered the system inadvertently, causing wastewater to backflow into homes and spill from manholes. During a community meeting, residents expressed anger over ongoing sewage issues and the general maintenance of the drainage systems. Some stormwater pipes in the city are over 100 years old and were overwhelmed during recent heavy rains. Fleck emphasized that the wastewater and stormwater networks are separate, despite community skepticism. The blockage resulted in sewage overflowing from five nearby properties, with cleanup efforts initiated by Wellington Water crews.
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The sewage spill affected several properties and led to the closure of a local daycare, raising health concerns among residents.
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