Auckland Harbourmaster checks Manukau Harbour after Penrose substation fire

Auckland Harbourmaster is inspecting Manukau Harbour for possible oil contamination after a fire at Vector’s Penrose substation on November 5, according to rnz.co.nz. Auckland Council has also sent pollution response officers to the site to check for contamination and assess the clean-up. The inspection is focused on potential discharge points and whether oil entered the water; authorities have not established that it reached the harbour.

Oil runoff was seen near the substation

The New Zealand Herald reported that oil from the substation leaked into stormwater drains leading toward the harbour, and described visible runoff in a drain pathway beside the building. The account adds context to the Harbourmaster’s inspection, but does not establish how much oil, if any, reached the harbour. Council compliance field operations manager David Pawson told the Herald that pollution officers were checking containment and whether the clean-up was satisfactory. RNZ reported that the council sent officers on Friday morning and deployed the Harbourmaster from Māngere Bridge to inspect potential discharge points and assess and contain any oil that may have entered the water.

Fire injured three and damaged the substation

The fire also scorched the exterior of the neighbouring DHL building. DHL told the Herald the fire did not enter its facility and had no operational impact. The Herald reported that council pollution officers visited the site the day of the fire and returned the following morning to check containment and clean-up.

Cause of the Penrose fire remains under investigation

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was investigating the cause, according to the Herald. RNZ reported that the agency had not confirmed it; assistant district commander Barry Thomas told TVNZ that three Vector workers were carrying out maintenance when an incident occurred. The maintenance account does not establish what caused the fire.