Organics Processing Plant operational update

Following on from our update yesterday, no further compost has been removed and taken outside since yesterday morning. The majority of the compost removed from the tunnels yesterday was returned to the processing hall and has since been reprocessed and is now back in the tunnels.

The remainder of the compost removed from the tunnels, and stored outside, is still capped with tailings and green waste. This material will be turned during favourable wind conditions, to help minimise odour, then screened before being removed from site.

The cause of the issue with the compost during the internal composting phase of the process is likely to be due to the biofilter being turned off last week to allow for its refurbishment. The new biofilter is currently being filled with new material and this work is on track to be completed by the end of today (Friday 2 June).

Wastewater Treatment Plant update

Over the coming weeks, we're publishing regular updates about how our work to address the wastewater treatment plant odours is progressing. 

Here's what happened today:

·         Three of the five aerators have been repaired, reinstalled and are again back in action on Pond 1.

·         The remaining two aerators are due to be reinstalled next week, which will return the aeration capacity of Pond 1 back to full. 

·         We’re closely monitoring the forecasted wet weather that Christchurch might experience from Sunday. Periods of wet weather usually help flush the oxidation ponds and improve the quality of the wastewater, which results in less odours. Windy conditions can also help, as the chop increases the dissolved oxygen levels in the ponds.

We are updating the Wastewaterfire website daily by 3pm with the latest information. However, there won’t be any further updates until Tuesday 6 June, due to the King’s Birthday long weekend.

As well as the daily updates on the website, we will also continue to send out weekly e-newsletters to keep you informed of what’s happening on site. You can subscribe to receive wastewater treatment plant-specific emails here.

Stay updated

We want everyone to be able to stay updated on developments at the Organics Processing Plant. 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 bromley@ccc.govt.nz  

Thanks in advance for your patience and co-operation as we carry out these improvements and prepare for the upcoming redevelopment programme. We’ll be in touch again soon.