Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant update

8 July 2024

Product trial continues

Since the wastewater treatment plant fire we've heard from a number of suppliers of technological, biological and chemical products that address odours. 

Three suppliers met the criteria to take part in a product trial. Our independent external contractor has assessed the information provided by these suppliers to ensure they’re compatible with treatment plant processes. In mid-July they will begin small-scale trials of the products.

Oxidation pond aerators

We’ve had a few aerators out of service for repairs in recent weeks. When breakdowns happen, our contractor takes the aerator away to be repaired and returned to the ponds as quickly as possible.

Staff are closely monitoring the ponds and we expect to have all 16 aerators back in service this week.

Hydrogen sulphide monitor results

Monitoring results have shown that levels over the past month have been decreasing and are now well below the health guideline of 0.03ppm. At times light winds still carry hydrogen sulphide, and other odours, to nearby residential areas but the levels are now very low.

The recent rain will have had a positive influence on the plant and ponds, and the dampness in the air will have had a scrubbing effect on any gases present.

Where to get help

If you need health support, we have information available on our website. This includes information on Pegasus Health's Partnership Community Workers and contact numbers for Healthline and counselling services.

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.