Clarifier repair complete ahead of schedule 

Essential repairs to one of the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant’s four clarifiers are now complete. Work to repair leaks in Clarifier 3 went well and our team was able to complete this work six days ahead of schedule. The clarifier is now back in service. 

Work to start on Clarifier 4

Because of the success of the repair to Clarifier 3 we've decided to proceed with repairing leaks in Clarifier 4. We had planned this for later in the year but have brought the essential work forward so we can use the same team and make the most of a good weather window over the next couple of weeks. 

The repairs will start on Monday 17 March and are expected to be complete by Friday 28 March. 

How will this impact odour? 

The reduction of our temporary activated sludge plant to 50% capacity to enable these works is resulting in some odour. This is due to the increased load to the oxidation ponds. So far, the increase in odour isn't significant and seems to be localised to the area around the ponds/plant and along Cuthberts Road. 

We're monitoring plant operations closely during this time and will continue to do all we can to complete the repair to Clarifier 4 as quickly as possible. 

Trickling filter demolition update

Demolition of both the fire-damaged trickling filters is now largely complete and we're taking the final steps to prepare the site for construction of the Activated Sludge Reactor. 

We’re currently relocating power cables to the site. This work is expected to be complete in early April. Once this is done there will be no activity on the site until construction gets underway towards the end of the year.

While the site will be quiet, there will be plenty going on behind the scenes. Our team is busy finalising the design for the Activated Sludge Reactor. We expect to be able to share more on the design in the next month or so. We’re also working towards selecting a contractor and awarding a contract.

The photo below was taken on Thursday 13 March. 

Stay updated

We want everyone to be able to stay updated on our response and recovery from the treatment plant fire, and we regularly post new information and reports on ccc.govt.nz/wastewaterfire 

You're welcome to send this update to your networks. If you know someone in the community who doesn’t have email or internet access, please print this newsletter off and pass it to them.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive this e-newsletter they can subscribe online. 

If you have any questions, or would like further information on the project, please call us on 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169 or email wastewater@ccc.govt.nz  

Thanks for your patience and understanding. We’ll be in touch again soon.