Saltwater Creek in North Canterbury, as seen from King Street. Photo: Supplied / Google Maps
The Canterbury Regional Council is responding to a toxic wastewater spill at a waterway in North Canterbury.
It has had reports of a large discharge from a factory near the Ashley township at Saltwater Creek.
The regional council said the wastewater is a product of the processing of timber, and is toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
So far it knows tuna and eels have been affected.
The regional council warns that people and animals should stay away from the water in Saltwater Creek and the estuary.
It said a response team has been sent to the scene, and the spill appears to have stopped.