Automatic alarms alerted City Care to the fault and an on-call technician attended the pump station, where he drew incorrect conclusions on the issue.
The man previously worked for City Care but, after recommencing employment in 2018, was in need of refresher training, it was heard in court.
SIMON O'CONNOR/STUFF/Stuff
The spill occurred after the power supply to the NPDC’s sewage pumping station alongside the stream failed.
City Care recognised the man’s need for training and had put the measures in place for the worker to call a colleague to talk through any unforeseen issues.
Before leaving the site, he phoned the back-up senior technician for assistance, who did not answer his phone. No other guidance was sought by the on-call worker.