Suspected discharge incident in the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho

Following extensive sampling, we can reassure the public we have not detected any contaminants of concern in the samples taken from the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho on March 13.

We sampled water quality in the river to determine whether there were ongoing water quality concerns, following the discovery of more than 500 dead fish in early March.

This means it is now safe for the public and animals to be near and/or use the river. People should heed any warnings or signs installed by the Christchurch City Council regarding sewage overflows — this is particularly the case after periods of heavy rain.

At this stage, investigations into the cause of the dead fish are continuing, but no contaminants of concern were present from water sampling on 13 March.

If people see anything of concern, we encourage them to contact us on 0800 765 588.

Update 13 March 2023

During a clean-up of the area last week, a total of more than 500 fish were collected and disposed of.

Our team is out checking the river again today, Monday 13 March, to see if there are any freshly deceased fish or affected wildlife. However, our monitoring since the initial incident response indicates the probability of an ongoing incident to be low.

Investigators are working on potential helpful leads which may identify a contaminant that could be involved in the incident.

Pollution warning signs will remain in place until we are more confident that there is no ongoing discharge or effect.

Stay clear and report

Avoid the area in the vicinity of Connal Street, Cumnor Terrace, Long Street and Garlands Road, and to not carry out any recreational activity on or in the water area — do not come in contact with the water, keep dogs away, and don’t eat fish from the area. We will let people know when it's safe to return.

We continue to ask for reports from the public of any unusual or suspicious happenings in the area — people can call us on 0800 765 588. Anonymous reports are welcome.

The investigation into the suspected discharge incident in the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho is continuing.

Christchurch West Melton zone delivery lead Nathan Dougherty said the incident is a high priority, with several staff working full-time on it.

"We don’t yet have an answer as to the suspected source or nature of the discharge," he said.

"We have taken fish and water samples for testing, however, it is proving complex to narrow down exactly what we are testing for. Additionally, tidal influence has made it difficult to identify the potential ‘injection point’."

The team has been on site visiting businesses in the area, looking for links to the incident. An oil absorbent boom has been installed, and an oil barrier boom at a major stormwater outfall to the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho.

A clean-up of the area is happening today, with dead fish being removed and disposed of. At the same time, the team will be looking for evidence of any freshly deceased fish.

The public advice remains to stay clear of the area in the vicinity of Connal Street, Cumnor Terrace, Long Street and Garlands Road, and to not carry out any recreational activity on or in the water area — do not come into contact with the water, keep dogs away, and don’t eat fish from the area.

We continue to ask for reports from the public of any unusual or suspicious happenings in the area over the last several days — people can call us on 0800 765 588. Anonymous reports are welcome.

Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council are continuing to investigate after around 300 dead fish were discovered in the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho.

Christchurch West Melton zone delivery lead Nathan Dougherty said the investigation team is requesting public assistance.

"We are very interested in public reports of any unusual or suspicious happenings near the Heathcote River in the Woolston area over the last couple of days," he said.

"This could be anything related to the handling or storage of chemicals or washdown that could have entered the river or stormwater network."

People can call Environment Canterbury’s incident response line on 0800 765 588. Anonymous reports are welcome.

People advised to stay away from the area

We advise that people stay away from the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho in the area of:

• Connal Street
• Cumnor Terrace
• Long Street
• Garlands Road

While we continue to investigate the source and nature of the discharge:

• No recreational activity should be carried out on or in the water in the area (e.g. kayaking, swimming);
• Do not come in contact with the water;
• Keep dogs away from the water and any affected wildlife;
• Do not eat fish from the area.

If you have any information about the incident, please contact us on 0800 765 588.

Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council are investigating the incident.

We advise that people stay away from the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho in the area of:

• Connal Street
• Cumnor Terrace
• Long Street
• Garlands Road

While we continue to investigate the source and nature of the discharge:

• No recreational activity should be carried out on or in the water in the area (e.g. kayaking, swimming);
• Do not come in contact with the water;
• Keep dogs away from the water and any affected wildlife;
• Do not eat fish from the area.

If you have any information about the incident, please contact us on 0800 765 588.