The Press

Once-foul Waimakarir­i River declared pollution-free

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Water-lovers are enjoying a pollution-free Waimakarir­i River after years of toxic waste being discharged into it.

Fish & Game environmen­tal officer Tony Hawker said that, for the first time since European settlement, no direct-source pollution was being discharged into it.

‘‘It was great to see people swimming in the river on the recent 30C-plus days.

‘‘In the past, I have always cringed when I have seen swimmers in there.’’

He said firms had consents for the discharge, but there were various non-compliance issues with the consent conditions. In some cases, the waste was so toxic it killed adult trout, and anglers reported foamy substances on the surface, along with brownish water and sulphur smells.

The discharge from those industries now goes to the Bromley wastewater plant, where it is treated before going to the ocean outfall.

‘‘This is a far more sustainabl­e practice than dischargin­g direct to the river,’’ Hawker said. Fish & Game would remain vigilant in protecting the river’s water quality and flows, especially as agricultur­e was expected to intensify.

North Canterbury Fish & Game councillor Peter Robinson urged Canterbury anglers ‘‘to get out and enjoy this outstandin­g fishery right on their doorstep’’.

In 2008, more than 75,000 anglers fished in the Waimakarir­i, making it the most heavily fished river in New Zealand.

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