Fertiliser spills

Fertiliser spilled during transport, storage and handling can have significant adverse environmental effects. The Resource Management Act states that every person has a duty to avoid, remedy or mitigate such adverse effects on the environment.

In the event of any spillage of fertiliser products, the driver must take immediate steps to prevent any further loss, risk to other people and/or any contamination of land or waterways. The driver must:

• Notify the appropriate authority (call 111) if there is a large spill
• Minimise any hazard to other road users
• Ensure that no residual product remains that could pose any immediate or future threat to the environment.

Note: At the earliest opportunity, the regional authority must be advised of any spillage risks to waterways, ponds, lakes or ground water.