“The Defence Force has admitted chemicals used in firefighting foam before 2003 have leached into nearby soil and water at bases in Ohakea and Woodbourne in Marlborough and contaminated seven neighbouring properties, including five in Manawatu.
The head of Horizons Regional Council, Michael McCartney, said the organization had started an investigation into the contamination under the Resource Management Act.
‘There is a process by which we take various levels of enforcement action, ranging from abatement notices to enforcement orders to full-scale prosecutions that are matters to be heard by the court.’
‘So they are the menu of things to be considered, but that’s all evidential.’
‘We need to look at the facts, we need to look at the case and we’re taking advice on that currently.’
It was a public health issue, but farmers in particular were also worried about their livelihoods, he said.”
Read the full article at Radio New Zealand.