Skifield company faces prosecution over diesel spill

Boom across the Makotuku Stream at Horopito after 15000 l of diesel leaked into it from Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Turoa ski field. Photo/Bevan Conley

Horizons Regional Council is to prosecute Ruapehu Alpine Lifts over the diesel spill at Turoa ski area in September.

Up to 19,000 litres of diesel leaked from a tank at the ski area into the ground and into the Makotuku Stream on September 26-27. The stream is a source of water for Raetihi, and the town's supply had to be shut down for several weeks.

Water from the Makara Stream was used for a while, and residents were finally able to draw drinking water from the Makotuku again earlier this month.

Horizons has spent months investigating the spill.

Given its findings, high public interest and the impact of the spill on the Raetihi community, it yesterday announced a prosecution through the Environment Court.

"It is has been a lengthy and thorough investigation and it is now up to the Environment Court to decide on the time frames for the next steps," Horizons' strategy and regulation manager Nic Peet said.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) could face a fine of up to $500,000.

Yesterday the company's general manager Dave Mazey didn't know about the prosecution and didn't want to comment until he had looked at the court papers.

In a further development, Horizons is also prosecuting Petroleum Services Ltd, the company that installed the diesel tank and its pumping system.

The spill was also investigated by the Conservation Department and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.