Water test closes school

Press, 7 September 1981, Page 2

Water test closes school

PA Masterton The Health Department has confirmed that arsenic and chromium are the hazardous substances now being sought in samples of underground bore water being analysed at the D.S.I.R. in Wellington. The possibility of chemical contamination in the water has- forced the closing of Solway School today and tomorrow. The school’s principal. Mr Charles Anderson, said it was hoped that the school would reopen on Wednesday, but this would depend . on whether the Health Department would be able to give a clearance after results of water analysis tests were received. Pupils will be bussed to Hiona Intermediate School where spare classrooms are available. “Test results show evidence of the chemicals that Carter Holt, near the Waingawa Bridge, lost in two of the bores in the area.” according to a statement by the Medical Officer of Health at Lower Hutt (Dr Andrew Scott). The industry uses such substances as arsenic, chromium. and copper in its wood-treatment process. “As the speed of travel of these chemicals in underground water is not known, the area in question cannot be cleared from suspicion until results of further studies and tests are available." Dr Scott said. The area affected by contamination of water has been restricted to that block bounded by the Waingawa River. State highway 2 from the Waingawa bridge to the Pest Destruction Board office to 75 Solway Crescent and on to Dalhoff and King at the Hood airfield.