Pollution

Pollution is where a contaminant, which can effect the environment or residents in the area, is being discharged into water. It also includes activities which will/are altering the natural environment such as, draining wetlands and diverting streams or rivers.

Oil Pollution

Throughout the region Environment Bay of Plenty, in partnership with Maritime New Zealand and the Port of Tauranga Ltd, is responsible for marine oil pollution training, response, mitigation and clean up.

Maritime New Zealand conducted a risk assessment survey throughout New Zealand in 1993. As a result of this, various items of oil pollution response equipment were purchased and distributed throughout the ports of New Zealand. The Regional On-Scene Commander (The Harbourmaster) is the person who manages the response and clean-up operation, looks after, maintains and uses the equipment Maritime New Zealand issued Environment Bay of Plenty.

Areas requiring special protection have been identified. These may include endangered wild life, cultural considerations or places of natural beauty or public amenity.

Environment Bay of Plenty is also responsible for all the local training and exercises, and with the Port of Tauranga Ltd., local harbour contractors maintain the oil spill equipment and administer a pool of labour trained for any form of marine oil pollution response.

If any marine pollution or hazard to navigation is observed it should be reported immediately by phoning the Environment Bay of Plenty Pollution Hotline

Pollution control

Environment Bay of Plenty will attend complaints about unauthorised activities, which are polluting the environment. Environment Bay of Plenty operates a 24 hour pollution hotline . Call this number if you see parts of the Bay of Plenty being polluted.

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