Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant update

Friday 24 April

The aerators have arrived

We’re excited to share another major milestone this week – the aerators have arrived on site (shown above).

This is an important step forward for the project. There is still some work required before they can be deployed, including electrical work to establish the permanent power supply. Anchor points also need to be installed to allow the aerators to be safely positioned and secured in the ponds.

Over the coming week, we’ll be developing a more detailed deployment plan. We’re keen to get some of the aerators operating as soon as possible. To make that happen we may initially use generators to power them. We’re still working through the details and expect to be able to share a clearer timeline next week.

Pond health and odour 

There are no significant changes to report from the ponds this week. The seasonal transition continues, which will be no surprise given the recent cold weather. This is the time of year when the ponds are at their most fragile, and odour events can occur. We’re seeing this reflected in the H₂S monitors, which are detecting intermittent odour events.

There have been no changes to the odour status map. 

A word from Gary 

Alongside this, I’ve been having my usual catch-ups and conversations with local residents. These have been good, and I’ve really appreciated the hospitality and understanding shown by everyone I’ve spoken with – thank you.

I’m heading off on leave and will be away next week. I’ll respond to emails and calls when I’m back in the office on 4 May.

Stone column install tracking well 

It's full steam ahead at the activated sludge reactor.  

After the first week of stone column installation, we're on track with 70 of around 1600 stone columns now installed. We expect the pace of this work to increase over the coming weeks.

We'll keep providing these updates throughout this phase of the project so you can see the progress. 

Stay updated

We want everyone to be able to stay updated on what's happening at the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant, and we regularly post new information 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.