Frustration is growing within the community around time taken to lift the no-fishing order imposed on Saltwater Creek and the Ashley/Rakahuri estuary following a wastewater spill from an Ashley factory.

Locals have taken to Environment Canterbury’s Facebook page to share their concerns at the water testing taking so long.

Adam Cron wrote, “I understand you want all the information you can before making a decision ECan. However I’m disappointed in how long this is taking. You can smell the toxic chemicals driving over Saltwater Creek bridge. Surely a clear decision is needed asap.”

Cron went on to say, “I can’t believe how many people are still whitebaiting! What’s to stop them selling it later in the season? Where are the rangers? For the sake of the community and the environment please hurry up and be seen to be doing something!”

Another resident, Turu Rowe said, “Taking too long mate. Heaps [of] people been fishing and eating the bait.”

Nerida Theinhardt, ECan’s zone delivery lead in Waimakariki, told Chris Lynch Media, “We completely understand that the situation is very frustrating for many in the community, especially those wanting to whitebait. The fact that the industrial spill from the Daiken plant took place at the very beginning of the [whitebaiting] season only adds to the frustration.”

“We’re sorry that the key results we’re waiting for are taking longer than expected. We do need these, though, to independently verify the substances that were spilt and to give the all-clear,” Theinhardt said.

She said staff visit the area regularly to assess wildlife and any clean-up requirements.

“We appreciate that people are keen to get an update on the situation as soon as possible. We also appreciate that many have their own view on the current safety of the water. However, we strongly advise people not to consume or sell fish that’s been caught in the area until we give the all-clear. For those ignoring the warnings, we urge them to consider the potential health impacts for themselves and others,” she added.

In regard to the wastewater spill, ECan has a range of enforcement tools available to them under the Resource Management Act. These include education, warnings, abatement notices, infringement notices (fines), court orders and prosecutions.