AUCKLAND SEWERS FULL OF PETROL

Chronicle (Levin), 20 December 1947, Page 4

AUCKLAND SEWERS FULL OF PETROL

Press Association )

( Per

AUCKLAND, Dec. 19. About 1200 gallon.s of petrol have been takeu from the soil at the westeni reclaination since the fatal fire near the Birkenhead ferry tfirminal on De■•ember 8. From tlie How that has been observed, it appears that a considerable umount is still to be obtained. After the fire the Auckland Harboui Board and City Council worked together on a thOrough investigation of tlie area and steps were takeu to trap Ihe petrol in tlie soil. Ilarbour Board employees built a siuall cofl'er dam at the water 's edge and have been pumplng petrol from it at low tide. The City Council sank a well iii the soii early -in the investigations to ptimp out petrol but has since sunk another. OtherS are ydt to be put down. / L-y . .■■So Tar the petrol that has, b^&n'fMen from tlie soil in the reclamation has (illed 30 drums, each liaving a eapacitv oi 40 to 45 gallons. Precautions are still being taken to ensure that smoking is prohibited in the area and that no other risks are incurred, particularly on tlie vehicular ferries. The nien working on t-he investigation are using wooden spades and other tools as the\ do not make sparks and are safe'r than metal oires. , All underground pipelines in the reclamation have now been tested and a further report is to be presented to the City Council. Reference to escaping petrol in the loeality was made by the city engineer. Mr. A. J. Dickson, in a report to the City Council Jast Beptember. On that occasion he said it was accumulating in ■sewers in quantities which could c'ausi a major explosion and he also stated that the grouiid was saturated. Mr, Dickson 's report said that on oue occasion in 1945 a total of .1144 gallons of petrol was taken from the sewers.