Earlier this week, the Moa Point wastewater plant experienced a significant flood on its lower floors due to sewage backing up in the outfall pipe. This led to raw sewage flowing from a pipe directly into the southern coastline.
In an update today, Wellington Water stated that screened wastewater is now being discharged through the long outfall pipe. Staff worked to partially restore the long outfall pipe and ensure the treatment plant’s screens were operational to remove items like sanitary pads and wet wipes from the wastewater.
Despite progress, Wellington Water chair Nick Leggett emphasized that the public health risk persists. He advised the public to avoid the coastal area along the south of Wellington until further notice, refraining from entering the water or collecting seafood from the area.
Efforts are ongoing to increase the flow through the long outfall pipe to minimize the use of the short outfall pipe. The company is also draining clarifier tanks to prevent odour issues and maintain worker safety.
Divers are inspecting diffusers at the end of the outfall pipe, while shoreline clean-up operations continue. A rāhui is in place to protect the affected beaches, and Mayor Andrew Little has called for an independent inquiry into the incident.
Concerns remain about potential contamination of a nearby marine reserve and the impact on local wildlife. Wellington Water is working diligently to address the situation and minimize environmental damage.
