Mud, water and steam: Big clean-up after casing fails at Rotorua geothermal bore

A bore casing at Kuirau Park failed over the weekend. Photo / Supplied

Mud, water and steam have forced their way through a Rotorua road after a bore casing failed over the weekend.

Rotorua Lakes Council staff are working to cool the area down and the cause of the casing failure was still being assessed.

An area of Kuirau Park has been cordoned off following the geothermal activity, including a section of Kuirau St near the playground.

On Sunday, Rotorua Lakes Council said there was still "a lot" of geothermal activity taking place at the bore.

"Yesterday

efforts were made to quell the geothermal activity using cold water and cement, however this was unsuccessful due to the high pressure of the bore," the council said.

"Well-drilling equipment is expected onsite tomorrow, which will allow mud and cement to be injected into the ground at much higher volumes. This should suppress the geothermal activity.

A bore casing at Kuirau Park failed over the weekend. Photo / Supplied

"Once this happens, there will be a clean-up and then the road will need to be repaired. It is likely that the bore will be unable to be repaired and will be grouted shut permanently."

Council and security staff are onsite 24/7 keeping a close eye on the situation.

Areas outside of the cordoned-off area remain safe to use, with parking near the playground still available.

"While this sort of thing isn't a regular occurrence it does happen occasionally. If you're in Kuirau Park please keep well clear of the cordoned-off area."