The pest control substance Feratox has been found at Waiotahi Beach and recovery and disposal is now under way.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council was notified last night via the Pollution Hotline that approximately 15 small bags (mobile phone size) containing Feratox, an encapsulated form of cyanide used for pest control, had been found on the high tide line at Waiotahi Beach.

Regional Council staff were on site last night and located a further two bags to what was reported.

Four staff, along with a representative from local iwi, were then on site again at first light this morning to search the area between the Waiotahe River mouth and the entrance of Ōpōtiki Harbour.

Additional staff are undertaking a search from Bryan’s Beach to the west of the Waiotahe River and East of the Ōpōtiki River mouth, to ensure a buffer zone is in place while recovery of the capsules takes place.

At this stage it is not known how many capsules are on the beach and where they originated from the regional council is advising people to stay away from the area.

If people do see a capsule, they are asked to stay away from it and ring Regional Council’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 884 883.

The regional Council is liaising with the Environmental Protection Authority and Worksafe regarding the safe recovery and disposal of the capsules.

The use of Feratox has licensing requirements for its use, handling and disposal.

An update will be provided at 3pm today.