MP Joseph Mooney denies endorsement of QLDC “clean effluent” claims

Southland MP Joseph Mooney has contacted Crux to make the point that his recent activities, including a video of him interviewing council water manager Simon Mason, should not be taken to mean he agrees with or supports the QLDC’s “clean effluent” claims in connection with new emergency discharges from the Shotover Plant.

Results released today by the QLDC show conflicting results between the Crux water sample tests that showed e coli levels of 570 cfu’s per 100ml against council results of less than 10 cfu’s per 100 ml.

The tests were carried out by the same independent laboratory. Crux is asking the QLDC to assist in explaining the difference.

Mr Mooney’s office supplied the following statement:

“Mr Mooney has made no claims about the testing quality of the treated water. Mr Mooney has asked the QLDC questions, and has sought confirmation that testing of the water by QLDC will be shared with the public, which he has shared on Facebook. 

  “I have not made any claims about water test results, but asked for comment and shared the response with the community in my Facebook post.

“I do want to see regular testing undertaken and the results shared with the public.”

Mr Mooney does not have a “clean effluent” position.

In addition Mr Mooney did not cast aspersions on anyone of “misinformation” when posting a response to a commentor on his own Facebook page, when he stated that he was not a representative who would seek to use fear and misinformation for political gain.”