Wellington Water could face prosecution over stink at Seaview treatment plant
Wednesday, 4 September 2024
Wellington Water could face prosecution over ongoing odour issues from the Seaview Treatment Plant that have been so bad it resulted in people vomiting.
A recent fire in the plant has also added to the problem, resulting in Wellington Water warning the odour could get worse.
Between October 31 and December 12, there were 111 complaints about odour coming from the plant, which is in an industrial area.
Wellington Water had completed work on the plant to reduce the odour but in the period between December 2023 and July this year, there had been a further 312 complaints.
Greater Wellington, the regulator responsible for the plant, issued an abatement notice to the Hutt and Upper Hutt city councils, and Wellington Water, on August 15, requiring a solution by October 4.
A report to the Hutt City Council’s audit committee noted there had been numerous ongoing complaints about odour.
“On Friday 27th October and again yesterday Tuesday 31 October the odour in the Seaview area has been extremely bad and by the afternoon people have had to leave work due to vomiting and breathing issues….Is it possible to have further air tests as it appears to be worsening,” one complainant said.
Greater Wellington director strategy, policy and regulation Fathima Iftikar said odour complaints had reduced over winter but were continuing
An independent technical expert had looked at the issue on behalf of Greater Wellington and that had resulted in the decision to issue an abatement notice.
“The two councils and Wellington Water had agreed the actions required in the abatement notice are the first steps needed to improve the odour issues at the plant.”
The problem with odour appears to have been accentuated by a recent fire in the plant on Monday.
On Wednesday, Wellington Water posted that the fire in a sludge dryer had not resulted in any damage but it was offline.
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“As the dryer is not operating, we will need to transfer the dewatered sludge from the Seaview plant to landfill, this activity will start tomorrow (Thursday) and is temporary. As a result, there may be a noticeable increase in odour levels as trucks transfer the sludge.”
It said the situation was unfortunate but it was doing all it could do minimise the impact on odour.
“While Monday's incident stalled progress on the biofilter upgrade works, contractors have restarted these important works - which are aimed at improving the plant’s overall odour control performance.”
Group network manager Jeremy McKibbin, said fixing the odour issue was a “priority” for Wellington Water and both councils.
“Much of the assets we manage on behalf of our council owners, such as the plant’s equipment and parts, are nearing the end of their operational lives, which means they need more maintenance.”
Wellington Water had co-operated with Greater Wellington to agree on the actions required to address odour and the timeframe needed to complete the work.
Whilst the timeframe is tight, Wellington Water is “undertaking all appropriate efforts to complete the upgrade” and comply with the abatement notice.
Wellington Water has a capital works programme planned over the next six years to reduce odour and increase its capacity to handle population growth and improve efficiency.
“There is no quick fix to this, but on behalf of our council owners, Wellington Water is committed to short and medium-term interventions to effectively manage operations of the treatment plant and reduce odour issues.”
If the abatement notice is breached, Greater Wellington can use the Resource Management Act to issue an infringement notice or prosecution.
Operator Veolia and Wellington Water were issued 13 fines each totalling $22,750 per company for the odour issues in December. Both councils had to pay $9750.