Infringement notices for wastewater plant odours

Wednesday, 20 December 2023

An “offensive and objectionable odour” surrounding the Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant has caused a stink between the Greater Wellington Regional Council, two local councils and water management providers.

Thirteen instances had been confirmed by the regional council amid significant levels of public complaint over the smell between October 31 and December 12, triggering an investigation last month.

The infringement notices for Wellington Water and Veolia relate to 13 confirmed discharges and 13 abatement notice breaches, totalling 26 instances of non-compliance with a cost per company of $22,750.

Infringement notices for breaches of abatement notices have also been issued to both Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council, who are the consent holders responsible for compliance and investment in the treatment plant – with a cost per council of $9,750.

Greater Wellington environment group manager Lian Butcher said the decision wasn’t taken lightly.

“Our priority is to work co-operatively with consent holders to ensure they manage their activities within the terms of their consents.

“Given the severity of the odour, there were very few options left available to us other than issuing these infringements.”

Butcher said she hoped replacing the plant's bio-filter media to mitigate odour would put an end to the discomfort felt in neighbourhoods adjacent to the treatment plant.

The replacement is due to be completed in mid February next year.

The regional council said they would continue to monitor odours for compliance with all relevant consents.