FREE Wednesday JanUaRy 11 2017 379 7100 Bay Harbour News Proudly locally owned and published by Star Media Brookhaven, Heathcote, Ferrymead ,Redcliffs, Mt. Pleasant, Sumner, Lyttelton, Diamond Harbour, Governors Bay, Akaroa Black Billed Gull Deb Beesley Your local hills and Bayside specialist. You’ll be sold! M: 027 280 8837 E: deb.beesley @harcourts.co.nz LICENSED SALES CONSULTANT REAA 2008 GRENADIER Cause of Lyttelton Harbour plume still a mystery • By Annabelle Dick A MYSTERIOUS black plume that invaded Lyttelton Harbour last week has experts confused. A dark trail of silt spotted in the harbour on Friday was mistaken for seaweed and an oil spill but initial reports from Environment Canterbury said it was coal dust from the port. But Lyttelton Port of Christchurch is unsure whether it is coal dust and ECan said it’s not 100 per cent certain it’s coal either. “The plume does not match what we would have expected from the coal types stored in Lyttelton,” LPC chief executive Peter Davie (left) said. “The last coal ship in Lyttelton Port left on December 14.” The long, black trail lingered around Governors Bay and the head of the harbour so residents reported it to ECan. “It was very noticeable. It seemed to increase over the weekend – I could see about four concentrations of it,” Governors Bay resident John Thacker said. ECan said it received a “few complaints” and sent someone out to investigate it that same day. “Given the nature of the dust, we can’t clean it up with a boom, and while it covers a reasonable area it is non-toxic to marine life. We are still investigating this incident,” ECan investigations and incident response regional leader Valyn Barrett said. Mr Davie said the port company is working with ECan to collect samples and have them analysed. Mr Thacker, who used to work as a biosecurity officer for ECan, isn’t happy that the black silt has been left in the harbour. “I know how ECan works and I know the whole system so I feel they’re putting their heads in the sand. If this was an oil spill they’d be out there straight away to stop it. This is having the same effect because it’s starting to wash up on beaches around the foreshore.” He’s worried about the effect it will have on the environment, humans and pets. “When I asked about pollution they said it’s not going to affect the marine life. That can’t be right, some of snails that are quite precious are in that water and siphon the water through their system. How are they going to deal with it?” he said. Test results are expected back within the next couple of days. MYSTERIOUS: A trail of black silt hung around the head of the harbour for several days. PHOTOS: TERRY GYDE STRANGE:The trail was confused for an oil spill and seaweed. PHOTO: NATHAN NEATH SELL YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER! 20 Hours Free for 3 & 4 yrs old Three age specific rooms plus School prep Teaching room For full information please visit our website www.hvp.co.nz Come in for a visit and experience the difference Ph 03 384 9249 108 Port hills Rd, heathcote Valley Lyttelton Tunnel Ferrymead Heritage Park Port Hills Rd Tunnel Rd We are here Bridle Path Rd Martindales Rd Sit back and let me do all the hard work Demand is high in the Seaside Suburbs so if you are thinking of selling call Chris today for a free appraisal. You may be very surprised at your home’s value... Call today for professional, local advice on real estate Chris Moores Harcourts Grenadier Ferrymead 1020 Ferry Road P: 03 384 7950 | M: 027 588 4440 E: chris.moores@harcourts.co.nz Licensed Sales Consultant REAA 2008 GRENADIER
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