Annual report 2006-2007 - Taranaki Regional Council

3.3.2 Chemical sampling
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The Taranaki Regional Council undertook sampling of both the discharge from the
site (site 4b, Figure 1) and the water quality in the unnamed tributary downstream of
the discharge point and mixing zone (site 4, Figure 1).
The galvaniser stormwater discharge (site 4b) was not sampled in the reported
period, as the pipe was not discharging. The tributary (drain) below the galvanisers
discharge was sampled twice; with the samples analysed for conductivity, pH, water
temperature and zinc (dissolved). The tributary was sampled once in conjunction
with the low flow survey of the Kahouri Stream catchment and the samples were
analysed for the additional parameters turbidity and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4-N)
(Table 2). The low flow survey monitors discharges from several industries and the
receiving water.
3.3.3 Biomonitoring surveys
One shared biological survey was performed in seven sites in the Kahouri Stream
catchment on 17 April 2007 to determine whether or not the discharges from the
various industries have had a detrimental effect upon the communities of the stream.
The location of these sites is shown in Figure 1. When assessing the effects of the
Taranaki Galvanizers discharge, site D (in the tributary of the Kahouri Stream), and
in the Kahouri Stream, sites C (50 m downstream of the tributary that receives the
abattoir discharge) and E (at Flint Road bridge) were used to assess the effects of the
discharge on the biological communities of the stream.
3.4 Results
3.4.1 Water
3.4.1.1 Inspections
Two routine inspections of the Taranaki Galvanizers site were conducted during the
2006-2007 monitoring year. Inspections focus on stormwater and wastewater
management at the site as well as air emissions from the site. Effluent sampling was
undertaken in combination with the site inspections.
The first inspection was conducted on 14 December 2006. The out side area was very
tidy, with no chemicals or contaminants noted. The waste water was contained at the
rear of site, and is removed when necessary. Odours were noted at the door to the
main building, but there were no visible emissions.
On 28 June 2007 a second inspection of the site was undertaken. General activities
were occurring on site. All waste water was being collected, and there was adequate
storage available. There were noticeable odours present directly alongside building,
near the doors, with visible emissions from the extractor fan on the western side.
However, there were no noticeable effects offsite.
3.4.1.2 Results of water discharge monitoring
The roadside drain below Taranaki Galvanizers has been piped with two manholes
in the flow path. There is a yellow ‘Novaflow’ pipe drain that previously exited
adjacent to the Kahouri Stream tributary where it emerged at the road from