Puhipuhi group want regional council to clean old mercury mine

Taitokerau hapu Ngati Hau and the Puhipuhi Mining Action Group want Northland Regional Council to clean up the old mercury mine at Puhipuhi.

Action group spokesperson Jenny Kirk says a test spot near the mine shows extremely high mercury water and sediment levels.

They want the council to confirm whether that shows the old mine is leaking toxic wastes into local waterways.

Ms Kirk says storms and floods could push the sediment further in the waterways and eventually to the Kaipara Harbour.

High concentrations of mercury can accumulate in fish and other animals, posing a danger to people and the environment.

She says it’s time the council took its environmental responsibilities seriously and started work to remediate the old mine.

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