Charges laid in relation to eel deaths

Environment Canterbury has laid charges against two parties in relation to the death of hundreds of eels in Kaputone Creek.

The charges come after several months of investigation into what caused about 1990 eels and about 30 fish to die in the Kaputone Creek in April this year. 

The charges relate to discharging contaminants, namely ammonia or ammonia contaminated water and ammonia gas, which is prohibited under the Resource Management Act. 

A company and an individual are scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court on October 17.

The maximum penalties for an individual are up to two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine up to$300,000 , and for the business it is a maximum penalty of $600,000 fine. 

As the matter is before the court, we will not be commenting further. 

You can read more about the investigation here.