KEY POINTS:
The fishing boat San Cuvier is yet to be salvaged, more than two months after two people died when it became stranded on rocks near Opotiki.
Locals want the wreck removed, saying it is a danger to humans and the environment.
Sanford, which owns the 18m vessel, says
plans are being made for its removal, but a date has yet to be set.
Environment Bay of Plenty yesterday said it was continuing to monitor the wreck.
Regular checks during the past eight weeks had shown no sign of coastal contamination.
The San Cuvier grounded off the coast between Opape and Torere during a storm on July 27.
Skipper Rick Joseph, 38, and crewman Damian Wyatt, 35, were killed. Two other crew members survived.
Sanford subsequently removed 18,000 litres of liquids from the wreck, including 11,000 litres of diesel.
The regional council's Eastern Bay of Plenty harbourmaster, Brian Spake, confirmed the hull of the boat was intact after concerned residents found fuel on board.
Early last month, a group of local residents took samples from the vessel and gave them to Environment Bay of Plenty, which confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons, indicating fuel.
Mr Spake then revisited the wreck but found no holes in the hull. Measures were taken to soak up any residual oil on board.
Environment Bay of Plenty has recommended that the vessel be removed.
Its manager of water management, Eddie Grogan, said the council was conscious of the ecological and cultural significance of the stretch of coast where it became stranded.
"We are therefore continuing to work with the boat's owners and insurers on the salvage plan to make sure it does not have a negative impact on the environment."
Eastern Bay of Plenty regional councillor Jim Mansell said locals wanted the boat removed from the area as soon as possible.
"The wreck didn't start there, and I don't think it should finish there," he said.
"Fishing companies have a responsibility to clean up after them."
Ngaitai iwi said public safety, as well as the environment, was an issue.
"At the moment, it could be an attraction for our young children to climb all over the boat, and we are concerned about any of them being in an accident," elder Bill Maxwell said.
Sanford managing director Eric Barratt said the company was also keen to complete the removal and tenders had gone out in conjunction with its insurance company.
"So I can't give you an exact update of where we might be, but obviously we'll all be working at getting it done as soon as possible."
Environment Bay of Plenty has appointed two local people as guardians of the vessel and is to install hazard signs soon.
The boat has also been locked as a safety precaution.
