Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant update

New interactive map

We’ve produced an interactive map, available on our website, that shows what we’ve got planned or underway to address odour at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Clicking on the hot spots on the map will show you a description of what work is being done to address odour at each source.

We’ll keep this map up-to-date as our work changes.

Upcoming community board presentation

On Monday 8 April Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Manager Adam Twose is presenting to the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board. He’ll give an update on the latest actions underway and our plans for the next few months.

This meeting will be live-streamed on the Council website and is open to the public.

Time: 4.30 – 5.30pm
Date: Monday 8 April
Location: Online

Two aerators out of service

A vertical shaft aerator and disc aerator went unexpectedly out of service over the weekend. The vertical shaft aerator went down following damage and needs to replaced with one of our critical spares that the contractor keeps available for instances like this. The disc aerator has minor damage and needs to be removed and repaired. Both aerators are expected to be back in service on Friday 5 April.  

At this stage the loss of two aerators isn’t having an effect on the oxidation ponds. Fourteen aerators remain in service and forecast wind conditions are good for dispersing any additional odour in the short-term.

Transition to winter mode

We have a plan to minimise the odour from the ponds, which could occur during the summer to winter transition. This is being put in place over the next two weeks.  

Hydrogen sulphide monitor results

We have continued to experience technical problems with the Shortland Street meter so there are no readings available for this week. The meter has now been replaced with one from another site.

We are now collecting data from Mecca Place, which is close to the plant and will detect H2S when the wind comes from the East. The graph for this week shows that some H2S was detected when the wind was from that direction.

Our staff continue to do all they can to reduce the odour as quickly as possible and are making changes to processes at the plant. 

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.