We returned the aerators on Oxidation Pond #1 to service about two weeks ago, and it’s already making a positive difference to the biological health of the pond system. The odour coming from the ponds has reduced, as reflected in our monitoring, which shows hydrogen sulphide levels trending down.

Monitoring by both wastewater treatment plant operations staff and contractors shows dissolved oxygen levels are improving, and the ponds are looking healthier and algae is returning.

All this means the ponds are now in a healthier state as we head into the holiday period, and we’re able to upgrade the ponds to mostly green on the pond tracker. Unless any new issues come up, we expect odour to gradually reduce even more over the next couple of weeks.

An underlying risk of odours being present around the wastewater treatment plant remains until the permanent solution for the treatment process is completed. Odours can be influenced by unexpected issues arising and weather conditions including temperature and wind.

To reduce the chance of odour over the holiday period, we’ll have 15 of our 16 aerators operating throughout. We also have staff and contractors working through this time.

Have a happy holiday season and we’ll be in touch next year with another update.

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.