View current environmental incidents
We respond to a variety of environmental incidents in the region that affect our air, water and land. Here you can find the latest serious environmental incident alerts.
This page covers alerts for unexpected or urgent incidents involving discharges to land, air, and water, where we need the public to avoid a particular area.
Tyre fire - Old South Road, Dunsandel
Environment Canterbury was notified on the afternoon of Thursday 24 September that Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) was responding to a tyre fire on Old South Road in Dunsandel.
As the environmental regulator, we are responsible for assessing the event’s impact on the environment. Our investigation is ongoing.
FENZ continues to lead the response.
Diesel spill clean up - Alport Place, Woolston
Christchurch City Council is continuing clean-up work at the diesel spill site at the Alport Place pump station in Woolston, and has prepared a remediation plan for the next stage of the response. The spill came from Christchurch City Council’s pump station, and appears to have resulted from an overnight theft of diesel from the facility.
Environment Canterbury staff will keep monitoring the remediation work and conditions in and around Steam Wharf Stream. While the clean-up continues, please avoid the affected area, keep pets away, and do not touch the water or gather food from it.
Warning signs will stay in place until the site has been cleared and monitoring shows restrictions can be lifted safely.
Christchurch City Council is also investigating the alleged theft of diesel from the facility. If you saw suspicious activity in the area earlier this month, or have information that could help, please contact the Christchurch City Council Contact Centre on 03 941 8999.
Environment Canterbury is continuing to investigate the incident.
Odour event - Wigram and surrounding areas
Environment Canterbury has responded to reports of a strong smell affecting parts of Wigram, Halswell and surrounding areas overnight and this morning.
Staff attended the incident and are working with United Fisheries, who have identified that there was a problem with their enzyme treatment process late yesterday.
The odour has now reduced.
Our compliance team remains engaged with the site and will continue to monitor the situation.