Updating the infographic information 

Now that the trickling filter work is complete, and the new activated sludge system is operational, we're tracking the health of the oxidation ponds as the better-quality wastewater begins to flow through them.

Over the coming weeks we expect the health of the ponds to improve from 'red' to 'green' (and the odour levels to significantly drop as a result), and we'll reflect this in our weekly updates.

Trickling filter work completed

On Tuesday our contractors completed the removal of the fire-damaged material and concrete from inside the two trickling filters at the wastewater treatment plant.

This work was delayed one day due to snow and freezing conditions at Kate Valley Landfill on Monday, but as a whole, this part of the project has been completed a month ahead of schedule.

So what happens now? Council staff are currently working on options to either rebuild the trickling filters or replace them with a different treatment process.

Community support payments close today

Today is the last day that eligible residents within the area bounded by Pages Rd, Buckleys Ave, Linwood Ave and SH74 are able to receive the $200 Wastewater Treatment Plant community support payment.

If you have yet to receive your $200 Prezzy Card, please visit the following community providers before 5pm today.

• Ngā Hau E Whā (250 Pages Road) 9am to 3pm. Phone 03 382 6628.
• He Waka Tapu (161 Pages Road) 8.30am to 3pm. Phone 03 373 8150.
• Bromley Community Centre (45 Bromley Road). Please check their opening hours by calling 03 389 1657.
• The Loft (Level 1, Eastgate Shopping Centre) 9am to 5pm. Phone 0800 THE LOFT (0800 865 638).

Out-of-zone residents can apply for the $200 grant until 31 August. Applicants can contact CommunityGrants@ccc.govt.nz  to be considered for a support payment.

The community support grant has been open since 30 May and is being closed due to the slowing demand for this support. More than 2,800 households have received the $200 payment.

We’re now working with Pegasus Health’s partnership community workers (PCWs) to provide free access to care for people whose health and/or wellbeing is being negatively affected by the wastewater treatment plant smells.

These partnership community workers can offer more targeted support on behalf of the Council and better meet the needs of those who are struggling as a result of the ongoing smells.

 If you have difficulty accessing a family doctor or healthcare provider, feel free to call
Maureen at Pegasus Health on 022 010 3296 or Maureen.VanVenrooy@pegasus.health.nz

What the treatment plant looks like now

Our team captured this great drone image of the treatment plant this week. It shows the empty trickling filters (far left), the new activated sludge system in operation (four circular ponds at far right) and the oxidation ponds in the background.

The grid-like ponds in the middle are the primary settlement tanks, which help separate the solids from the wastewater during the treatment process. This part of the process continues to operate as it did before the fire.

New air quality testing results published

We’ve uploaded last week's data for the six continuous air monitors that have been set up near the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment plant.

The monitors are to detect the levels of hydrogen sulphide in the Shortland Street, Maces Road, Estuary Road South, Rudds Road areas, as well as at Bromley and South Brighton Schools.

You can view the latest data of all six locations, and an explanation about how to read the information by clicking the link below.  

Note the graph above shows the results from the three 'sentinel sites', not all six sites. 

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 

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 in advance for your patience and understanding as we continue to work on minimising the unpleasant smells after the fire. We’ll be in touch again soon.