May 04, 2021
Hangi pits clean in toxin search
Good news for Mount Maunganui’s Whareroa Marae today, with initial sampling showing no signs of toxic compounds in its drinking water or the hāngi pit soils.
The marae, which has become surrounded by industry, has been concerned by fumes and liquids discharged by its neighbours.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council regulatory services general manager Sarah Omundsen says small traces of PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals which do not break down in the environment, were found in the open drain next to the airport, but not at levels which exceed recreational human health guidelines.
A second round of sampling results is due next week, after which the council intends to undertake a wider risk assessment and review of the potential sources of PFAS contamination within the broader Mount Maunganui Industrial Area.
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