Updating the infographic information 

In case you missed it last week, we've updated our infographic to better show the current work that's being undertaken at the wastewater treatment plant site, as we work to reduce the odours that continue to come from the oxidation ponds.

Now that the trickling filter work is virtually complete, and the new activated sludge system is operational, we're now 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.

Paint discolouration test results

We’ve received the results of the houses that we tested for paint discolouration. 

All houses tested were found to have had lead-based paint, with almost two-thirds showing a likely reaction between hydrogen sulphide and lead in the paint.

The remaining houses didn’t show a chemical reaction, but our expert contractors, ENGEO, noted the discolouration could be removed by washing it with a chlorine solution, as the discolouration is most likely related to mould. This mould isn’t connected to the odour from the wastewater treatment plant, but is probably mould normally found on houses.

We have been advised that the discolouration is likely to only be temporary, and a 1966 study into the effects of hydrogen sulphide on lead-based paint does not suggest permanent damage to the paint. 

The discolouration is expected to gradually reduce as daylight hours lengthen, the health of the oxidation ponds improves, and we progress through spring and summer.

Any discolouration under eaves could take longer to fade as it won’t receive direct sunlight.

What can I do if my house is affected?

DO:

• Wait. We expect the discolouration to fade as the health of the oxidation ponds improves, hydrogen sulphide levels drop and daylight hours lengthen.
• Read the report findings and information on www.ccc.govt.nz/wastewaterfire
• Wash your walls with a commercial chlorine-based solution, or warm, soapy water. This could help remove any organic dust, common moulds and some discolouration. The presence of these common moulds is not linked of the wastewater treatment plant fire.
• Adhere to the manufacturers’ proprietary ratio recommendations if you use a commercial chlorine-based solution.
•  Wash your house several times if required.
• If you’re physically unable to clean your house or require assistance, we can provide advice and arrange help. Contact us at wastewater@ccc.govt.nz

DON’T:

• Use a high-pressure washer to try and clean any staining discoloration, as this could result in flakes of lead-based paint entering the environment.
• Exceed manufacturer’s proprietary ratio recommendations if you use a commercial chlorine-based solution.

The Ministry of Health has information about lead-based paint that you can read  here. 

Milestone: trickling filters to be empty by Monday

Fire-damaged material and concrete from inside the trickling filters at the Christchurch wastewater treatment plant should be completely removed by Monday.

The contractor, Southern Demolition and Salvage, is in the process of removing and transporting the final truck-loads of material to Kate Valley Landfill, which means this part of the project will be completed a month ahead of schedule.

Community support payments closing next Friday

We’re still offering the $200 community support grant for eligible residents, but due to the slowing demand for this support, we will close this initiative on 12 August 2022 for in-zone residents and 31 August for out-of-zone residents.

If you have yet to receive your grant payment, we encourage you to visit the following community providers before 12 August:

• • 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 applicants can contact CommunityGrants@ccc.govt.nz until Wednesday 31 August to be considered for a support payment.

We’re now working with Pegasus Health’s partnership community workers (PCWs) to provide free 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.

More support confirmed at Wednesday's Council meeting

We've committed a further $180,000 to provide more support for schools, and targeted help for residents still affected by odours from the wastewater treatment plant.

The new wellbeing response plan includes:

• Extended support for schools and early learning centres, including those in the Southshore and South New Brighton areas, so they can provide activities and events to help children and their families manage the effects of the odour.
• Discretionary funding to support people affected by the smell to access health and wellbeing supports.
   

Register for next week's health webinar

On  Wednesday 10 August 2022 we’re holding a free webinar in partnership with Pegasus Health and Te Mana Ora (Community and Public Health – part of the National Public Health Service) to answer your health-related questions and concerns.

The session will run from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Click the button below to register visit. If you have any questions you’d like answered, email them through to wastewater@ccc.govt.nz and we'll do our best to make sure they're answered.

The week ahead...

On Wednesday 11 August we're holding a health webinar in partnership with Pegasus Health and Te Mana Ora. You can register at the link above or by clicking here.

The $200 community support grant for eligible residents will close on Friday 12 August.

Copies of the new mail-out will arrive in people's letterboxes over the coming week. While some people will receive the information today, some might not receive it until Friday 12 August.

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 

We also post regular updates to our blog on Newsline.

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.