Updates for residents and businesses near the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant site.

The activated sludge plant construction is about to start

HEB Construction has been confirmed as the contractor for the construction of the activated sludge plant, and construction is underway. 

Here’s what you need to know about noise, dust and traffic management:

  • Noise and vibration will be monitored at the site boundary, with strict limits in place. If these limits are exceeded, mitigation measures will be put in place.
  • Dust control will include visual monitoring, water carts, speed limits, and other suppression techniques to keep dust to a minimum.
  • Traffic management is being planned with HEB’s ground improvement subcontractor to reduce impacts on the community. During ground improvement work, there may be up to 30 trucks per day coming to the site. We haven't yet confirmed the route trucks will take to the site, but we will share this once we know.  

Work hours will be Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 6pm. If any work needs to happen outside these hours, we'll notify the community in advance.

The new reactor will be a substantial structure, 67m x 67m and 7m high, housing a blower room to mix air with incoming wastewater. The design process has been accelerated by working closely with contractors and using 3D design technology. Once construction begins, our goal is to move quickly, with commissioning of the plant currently targeted for 2028.

Recent increase in odour 

You may have noticed an increase in odour from the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant’s oxidation ponds.

We understand how frustrating and unpleasant this is, and we’re doing everything we can to manage the situation. If you’re concerned about the impacts of the odour, there is a range of information on this website about odour and health(external link), and what support is available(external link) for impacted residents.

Find more information about what's causing the odour and what we're doing in our latest newsletter(external link).

How to stay informed

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