Eels found dead after chemical spill

AUCKLAND: About 100 eels have been found dead after a chemical compound spilled into a stormwater drain and then into Manukau Harbour.

In a statement, Auckland Council said 5000 litres of methyl methacrylate was released from storage at a specialist chemical business, Allnex, in Penrose on Thursday.

‘‘Staff are assessing what other impact the chemical may have had on marine life and vegetation.

‘‘They are also testing the harbour water. The warning not to swim or go into the water remains and will be extended over the weekend as a precautionary measure.’’

Methyl methacrylate is used in the manufacture of plastics and adhesives. While it is considered to have low toxicity, it can cause nasal irritation and headaches and has an acrid and fruity odour.

A pollution control team was working on a cleanup, and 20 tonnes of discharge including water had been taken away overnight, the council said.

Forty nearby businesses had been alerted to the chemical spill, the council said. At this stage, no health issues had been raised with it.

Representatives of mana whenua are on site and will be providing input into the cleanup process.

An investigation into how the incident happened is continuing. — RNZ