A large amount of oil has been found in a stormwater pond in Mount Maunganui.

According to Tauranga City Council, about 50 litres of oil was found in the pond, between Cherokee Place, MacDonald Street and Aviation Avenue, yesterday.

Oil-soaked vegetation at the stormwater pond in Mount Maunganui. Photo: Tauranga City Council.

Following the discovery, contractors have been clearing a lot of the oil-soaked vegetation, removing all water from the open drain, letting the remaining oil settle and then disposing of it as hazardous waste.

The oil was contained and has gone no further than the Aviation Avenue open drain, say council.

It is not yet known where the oil came from at this stage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tauranga City Council on: 07 577 7000.