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Emergency services were called to a chemical spill at Watercare’s Pukekohe Water Treatment Plant this morning, with Fire and Emergency New Zealand confirming the incident was handed back to Watercare this afternoon.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) responded to the incident on Seddon Street with 11 appliances attending at its peak.
A FENZ spokesperson this evening said one of the substances involved was “possibly chlorine”.
In a statement just after 8pm, Watercare head of water Sharon Danks says “a chemical reaction caused the release of chlorine gas at our Pukekohe Water Treatment Plant this morning.
“There was no impact to the public water supply, the water remains safe to drink. Gas monitoring on the perimeter of the plant indicates there was no risk to public safety.
“Our emergency response procedures were activated and all staff and contractors were evacuated from site. We can confirm they are all safe and unharmed.
“Fire and Emergency New Zealand attended and closed part of Seddon St as a precaution. Our staff were allowed back on site at 1pm, and were able to neutralise the solution by adding soda ash.
“Nearby residents may have noticed a chlorine smell, similar to what you’d smell at an indoor swimming pool.
“We will now carry out a thorough health and safety investigation to determine exactly what happened and put measures in place to ensure it does not happen again. The treatment plant will be offline for the next two days while this investigation is underway.
“During this time, Pukekohe’s water supply will come from our Waikato and Ardmore treatment plants.”
The hazardous materials unit from FENZ was also in attendance today, in specialised gas suits for protection.
A FENZ spokesperson later confirmed the incident was handed back to Watercare shortly after 2pm.
Hato Hone St John said it was notified of a chemical incident on Seddon Street at 9.51am. One rapid response unit and one ambulance attended.
“Three patients, all in minor condition, were assessed and treated at the scene. No transport was required,” a spokesperson said.
Earlier in the response, Fire and Emergency crews from Pukekohe, Patumahoe, Papakura, Ōtara, Waiuku and Auckland City were deployed to the site.
