Reports of sewage flowing down central Queenstown street

Story updated 2pm

A Veolia crew is working at a site near central Queenstown where raw sewage is suspected to have run down the street on Monday night.

A digger is being used to shift sediment and a pump also appears to be in operation on the corner of Industrial Place and Gorge Road.

There is an unpleasant odour.

A passerby reported the seeing the unexpected leak near Gorge Road in Queenstown at approximately 8pm on Monday.

A spokesperson for the Queenstown Lakes District Council has provided limited details on the incident this morning.

"Council is aware of the matter. Crews responded last night and work is ongoing. Our investigation is underway and we’ll be able to provide more details in due course."

Meanwhile, the Otago Regional Council is unaware of any issue.

“The council has not received any notification relating to a potential sewage overflow in the area around Industrial Place and Gorge Road," Simon Wilson, the regional council's acting manager for compliance says.  

"Regional council staff will visit the area today to investigate."

The Queenstown Lakes District Council's online mapping tool shows a 'balance tank' connecting to wastewater pipes at that location.

A balance tank generally holds back sewage to help manage peak flows.

Main image: Veolia workers respond to a suspected sewage spill at the corner of Gorge Road and Industrial Place in Queenstown, Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Did you see anything last night? Email [email protected]