Tauranga City Council have stopped work on the Southern Pipeline harbour crossing due to mud seeping up through the ground.

This morning mud used for drilling seeped through loose ground and reached the low tide harbour surface on the Memorial Park side.

Project manager Steve Wiggill says they are investigating the incident and are waiting on a review before they carry on with further work.

'We're still investigating the cause of the mud leak. A team of drilling experts, including an independent international expert in the USA, review the project's progress on a daily basis. Drilling is now on hold pending their assessment and advice,” says Steve.

He says most of the mud has been collected and removed offsite, but some has washed into the harbour.

The mud may be visible on the harbour with the incoming tide, but they expect it to naturally disperse over time.

He says the situation is being monitored and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have been kept informed.

SunLive Intro-Pipeline from Nikki South Photographer on Vimeo.