Localised temporary odours possible today as aerators turned on

Despite waiting for the most optimum weather conditions, wastewater treatment plant staff are warning there could temporarily be elevated levels of odour as key aerators on the first oxidation pond are switched on today.

Operations Manager, Adam Twose, says seven aerators have been already begun churning large amounts of oxygen into the wastewater, but the final four aerators sit over an area where there’s a known larger sludge build-up at the base of the pond.

“We have waited until today to turn these on, to take advantage of the forecasted southwest wind direction that will dissipate odours as much as possible before they reach any distant residential areas,” says Mr Twose.

“While we don’t know how strong the odours from the stirred-up sludge will be, we anticipate it will only be temporary, and more likely to be hours rather than days.

“Unfortunately, this odour generation is inevitable, but we’re doing our best to minimise the effects on the community, and will monitor and respond to the odours and weather as much as possible.

“Longer term, these aerators will ensure the ponds continue to stay healthy and function well as they have done over summer.”

The final disc aerators, which will push flow around the pond, are expected to be switched on by Friday. The aerators are expected to improve the biological health of the pond and see better-quality wastewater then flow through the pond network.

For more information on the wastewater fire recovery project, visit ccc.govt.nz/wastewaterfire.