It's a catastrophe': Wellington rages as millions of litres of raw sewage pour into ocean

"A tide of anger is rising in New Zealand's capital, Wellington, as the city's toilets continue to flush directly into the ocean more than two weeks after the catastrophic collapse of its wastewater treatment plant. Millions of litres of raw and partially screened sewage have been pouring into pristine reefs and a marine reserve along the south coast daily since 4 February, prompting a national inquiry, as the authorities struggle to get the decimated plant operational."

"Fears for the safety of marine ecosystems including vulnerable species such as the little blue penguin, or korora, which nest along the shore are mixed with concerns over the length and cost of disruption to those who depend on the coast for income, wellness, and recreation. As a southerly storm whipped through the lower North Island and churned up polluted seawater this week, hundreds of residents turned out to a public meeting to seek answers."

An overnight collapse of Wellington's wastewater treatment plant has caused millions of litres of raw and partially screened sewage to flow into reefs and a marine reserve along the south coast daily since 4 February. Beaches have been abandoned, public-health warnings posted, and seagulls observed eating human waste near the airport used by thousands of international visitors. Concerns include damage to marine ecosystems and vulnerable species such as the little blue penguin, economic and wellbeing impacts on coastal communities, and the prolonged cost and disruption of repairs. Hundreds of residents attended a public meeting as authorities struggle to restore the decimated plant and face a national inquiry.

Read at www.theguardian.com