Tauranga diesel spill prompts warning

Tauranga Bridge Marina. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford/SunLive.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Harbourmaster is urging boaties to inspect their vessels regularly to detect issues that lead to leaks.

This message comes after diesel was discharged from a vessel into the Tauranga Harbour over the weekend.

The Bay of Plenty Region Council was notified of a diesel sheen and odour coming from the Tauranga Bridge Marina on Saturday.

When Maritime staff attended the scene, the diesel had been traced to a vessels bilge and the leak had stopped.

BOPRC harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters says this spill highlights how important it is for vessel owners to thoroughly inspect their vessels regularly.

'We encourage vessel owners to pay special attention to all aspects of fuel and electrical systems.

'They should probe for any leaks or drips, oil in bilges, or signs of rot or corrosion that can easily go unnoticed leading to a disaster. We recommend vessel owners do engine room checks pre departure and again on return.”

He says everyone has a legal duty to prevent pollution by taking all reasonable steps they can and this includes proactive inspections and good maintenance of recreational vessels.

'There can be penalties applied for causing spills or navigation hazards.”

Council has not been made aware of any impacts on wildlife.

'Council continues to follow this matter up with Bridge Marina and the vessel owner to help prevent similar situations in future.”

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