Work continues on damaged Pan Pac pipe leaking waste into sea at Whirinaki Beach

Pan Pac has been working since September to repair a damaged pipe which is leaking wastewater into the sea. Photo / File

Work is continuing to repair a damaged wastewater pipe belonging to Pan Pac Forest Products.

In September, a resident reported discolouration near the water's edge at Whirinaki Beach.

It was found to be seepage of treated wastewater from the Pan Pac's wastewater treatment plant.

This year, the discharge pipeline was extended from 300 metres to 2.4km.

"Since discovering the pipeline crack we have taken guidance and advice of Niwa scientists and we have been conducting weekly testing at multiple locations along the beach to ensure a minimum of 50:1 dilution is occurring outside of the working site," a Pan Pac spokesperson said.

"There is no domestic sewage associated with the pipeline. It transports treated wastewater from our wood-processing activities. The wastewater does not contain chemicals post-treatment."

Since discovering the pipeline crack Pan Pac has continued to work alongside Niwa scientists and has also been conducting weekly testing at multiple locations along the beach to ensure a minimum of 50:1 dilution is occurring outside of the working site.

"We continue to make progress in repairing the damaged section of the pipeline. Sealant products are being used to secure the crack and either a tight clamp or tremie concrete will be used on the outside of the affected pipe.

"A temporary jetty has been constructed to allow heavy machinery access to the affected area and, when the weather improves, the piling will be reinstalled and the repair work will continue.

"Access to the toilet block and public roads has been maintained while beach access is limited in the direct vicinity of our work area for safety reasons."

The repair work typically takes place between 7.30am and 6.00pm but occasionally workers started slightly earlier to take advantage of low tide.

A spokesperson from the Hawke's Bay Regional Council said it had been working closely with Pan Pac throughout the past few months and expected the work on the pipe to be completed within the next few days.