The Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) has confirmed that laboratory testing found the presence of external wastewater influence entering stormwater systems that discharge into the Tagabe River.

The confirmation comes after public concern over reports of pollution in the river that have circulated widely on social media in recent days.

DEPC said it will now pursue appropriate enforcement action once the source of the contamination is confirmed.

The department added that responsible parties will be required to implement remediation measures to address and rectify impacts on the river.

In an official statement, DEPC said it takes the concerns seriously and remains committed to protecting and restoring the river and its surrounding environment.

The department said the Tagabe River Management Committee has been carrying out quarterly monitoring for the past 10 years, with records consistently showing that water quality has been affected by human activities along the river corridor.

Following the recent reports, DEPC said it worked with the National Wastewater Taskforce to carry out additional monitoring and an on-site assessment over the past three weeks.

This included an assessment of Vanuatu Brewing Limited’s wastewater management system, as well as sample collection from key sites to verify the allegations.

DEPC said it will now pursue appropriate enforcement action once the source of the contamination is confirmed.

The department added that responsible parties will be required to implement remediation measures to address and rectify impacts on the river.

To reduce further drainage impacts, DEPC is now consulting with the National Wastewater Taskforce and has requested assistance from the Public Works Department to develop a remediation action plan.

The department says it will continue its monitoring activities and provide further updates as enforcement and remediation work progresses.