UPDATE from Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Wednesday 5 March)
- No more packets were reported in the area over the weekend.
- The individual packets that were discovered are untraceable - the box that these packets came in would be traceable, however that has not been found at this stage.
- WorkSafe have been notified about the situation as use of this pest control product requires a Controlled Substance Licence.
- If people do see a capsule, they are asked to stay away from it and ring Regional Council’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 884 883.
- Continue to exercise caution in these areas and please keep dogs on leads to reduce the risk of scavenging.
Media advisory from Bay of Plenty Regional Council
UPDATE from Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Regional Council staff, local contractors and a representative from Whakatōhea, have been searching the area since first light and 33 individual bags of Feratox were collected from Waiotahe Beach and Bryan’s Beach.
No bags were located at Hukutaia and Snells Beach, East of Ōpōtiki Harbour, and West of Waiotahe Estuary.
While these areas are open to the public, Regional Council is advising people to continue to exercise caution in these areas.
Please keep dogs on leads to reduce the risk of scavenging.
Extra caution on Waiotahe beaches
The pest control substance Feratox has been found at Waiotahe Beach and recovery and disposal is now underway.
Thanks to the local residents who did the right thing and called regional council as soon as they found it. The regional council had staff on site last night and at first light this morning and investigations continue.
If people do see a capsule, they are asked to stay away from it and ring Regional Council’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 884 883.
Beaches
