Marrs and Shingle Beach Working Group
Long term monitoring by the Council has highlighted intermittent elevated E. coli levels at both Marrs Beach and Shingle Beach in Westport. E. coli bacteria come from the gut of warm blooded animals and its presence can indicate potential risk from other pathogens such as Campylobacter. The Council, along with local Runanga representatives, requested a community group be established to assist with understanding the areas values, potential E.coli sources, and possible solutions for the future.
The Marrs and Shingle Beach Community Working Group was established in 2017 and has members representing a wide range of sectors and interests.
The Community Group meets monthly.
Marrs and Shingle Beach Working Group Members
- Neal Clementson - West Coast Regional Council representative
- Chris Coll
- Richard Nichol
- Alice Gilsenan
- Joan Hamilton
- Robert Higgens
- Jamie Cleine - Buller District Council representative
The complex nature of the issue…
During two workshops the group explored the issue of E. coli contamination at Marrs Beach and Shingle Beach – here's a picture showing just how complex this issue is!
What's new?
The working group has identified a number of new water sampling sites around the catchment and these are now being sampled weekly to gain more information on potential sources of contamination.
How can I contribute?
We would love to hear your feedback, or if you want to know more about the community group, have any questions or comments, please email info@wcrc.govt.nz or Neal Clementson at neal@heaphymining.co.nz.
