Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) has issued Christchurch City Council with an abatement notice for failing to provide an adequate action plan to address the persistent stench coming from the fire-damaged Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bromley.
Environment Canterbury says it has received more than 4,500 reports from the community describing a putrid, sewage-like smell that has been placing significant strain on residents across East and Central Ōtautahi Christchurch since late January.
“Our team has been engaging directly with affected residents, and we know the impact of the offensive smell is significant, with the prolonged duration of the smell proving particularly challenging for the community,” said Environment Canterbury Director of Operations, Brett Aldridge.
“As the region’s environmental regulator, Environment Canterbury is responsible for monitoring discharges to air, including odour, and ensuring any non-compliance is addressed.
“Environment Canterbury previously signalled to Christchurch City Council that delays in taking effective and timely action could result in the use of statutory tools.
“Issuing this abatement notice today demonstrates that we are serious about establishing a clear path toward long-term, sustainable solutions for the plant that bring relief to affected communities.”
Christchurch City Council must provide a satisfactory plan to the region’s environmental regulator by Monday 16 March which must outline both short- and long-term odour-mitigation measures, along with achievable timeframes.
An independent wastewater engineer will be contracted to review the plan provided.
In a statement yesterday, Christchurch City Council said the plant’s first three ponds were ‘not healthy’ and recording spikes in hydrogen sulphide levels.
“The weather expected this week isn’t likely to help pond health. Shifts in wind and temperature can make odour levels increase, and we know many of you notice this straight away,” Council stated.
“Our team continues to work on the ponds every day and respond as conditions change. We’re also making progress on longer‑term options, and we hope to share more about our next steps soon.
“In the short term, we expect the odour will continue. It will vary depending on the weather, especially wind direction, and it may affect different areas at different times. The odour status map remains the same with six ponds at red and two at orange.”
