Otane Wastewater Oxidation Pond vandals identified

A quick community response advised vandals who damaged a CHB wastewater pond of the health risks. Photo/Supplied

Vandals who caused up to $14,000 damage to a wastewater pond have been identified, and advised of the "serious" health risks they put themselves at - thanks to a quick response from the Central Hawke's Bay community.

On Wednesday morning "extensive damage" to Otane Wastewater Oxidation Pond equipment was discovered, after two data points stopped working.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council staff inspected the site and found the composite sampler in the pond, the aerator cable undone and the bottom diffuser of the aerator not working as the electrical connection was severed.

The data logger was ripped out and was later found in the pond. The cap from the top of the data logger was used to block the outflow pipe from the discharge channel.

Central Hawke's Bay mayor Alex Walker said it was thought the damage had been caused by youths "mucking around".

"It's disappointing and I think the community's reaction is a bit like mine, disappointed that people have been so silly.

"The biggest thing is that whoever chose to do it has actually put themselves at risk, that's the main thing. Just being exposed to untreated sewage, untreated human waste", she said.

A quick response from the CHB community assisted the police in identifying those involved, and advising them of the health risks.

The council had appealed to the community asking them to come forward with information, and encouraging those involved to go to their doctor immediately.

Council chief executive Monique Davidson said: "It was great to see how the community took ownership of this issue and through the use of technology and communications the potential health risks were able to be dealt with. Out of something negative came yet another illustration of a proud, connected and thriving community."

Ms Walker said she felt there was now a stronger awareness in the community that this behaviour was not acceptable, and the risks those involved had put themselves at.

"As long as people understand that, hopefully we'll avoid it in the future."

Ms Davidson said cost estimates for the damage were thought to be between $10,000 and $14,000. It was not yet known how long it would take to repair the damage.

A police spokeswoman said those involved were youths, and the matter was being dealt with by Youth Aid.

The council thanked the community for the "overwhelming response", and encouraged the public to 'like' the Central Hawke's Bay District Council Facebook page to stay up to date with what's happening.