Avian botulism has been an ongoing problem in the South, forcing the temporary closure of at least two poultry farms, and the wastewater treatment plant near Waikouaiti put on high alert after thousands of birds died in a botulism scare at the plant.
The DCC has employed bird scarers for the wastewater treatment plant near Waikouaiti, but residents near the operation are complaining about the sound and the fact it startles their pets.
Sally Davis, who lives in Hawksbury Village near Waikouaiti, said the situation was becoming unbearable.
"Our rescue dog runs in and hides in the shower each time it goes off. Horses in the area must get frightened.
"Apparently it is to prevent an outbreak of avian botulism and it is going to be an ongoing thing. People choose to live in the area for the peace and quiet and should not have to put up with this. Even the tūī have left."
Friend Lyndsey Newton said she approached the council about the situation, and was told the sounds were supposed to be emitted during the day only.
But her own records suggest they were still going after 11pm.
"I don’t know how this could happen — perhaps it was not attended to properly during the long weekend.
"I understand they need to scare away the birds, but this is too much. I really feel for the animals scared by this approach.
"Surely, there’s a less intense alternative."
Ms Davis and Ms Newton were not the only complainants — a Waikouaiti Facebook page is littered with concerns about the noise and the frequency of it.
One woman said the community should have been consulted.
Council head of Three Waters John McAndrew confirmed the DCC was using a bird-scaring device as a temporary preventive measure to deter birds from settling in large numbers at the Waikouaiti wastewater treatment plant’s oxidation ponds.
"The aim is to reduce the risk of another avian botulism outbreak at the plant, following last year’s outbreak which resulted in the deaths of over 1500 birds, mainly ducks, at the ponds.
"The compressed-air device fires a ‘shot’ every 30 minutes between 8am and 4pm to scare away birds. This temporary measure is intended to be in place only during the summer, and particularly the moulting season, when the risks are highest."
Mr McAndrew said the council had tried other options at the ponds — including scarecrows, lasers and reflectors — but none had been effective.
"The use of a compressed-air device was adopted following consultation with neighbours and Fish & Game, is used elsewhere, and is already proving successful.
"The noise is also within the limits set by Dunedin’s district plan (2GP), but we have reduced its hours of operation (to 8am-4pm daily) to minimise the impact on neighbours where possible."
The council yesterday received a report of the system triggering overnight, which was caused by a fault, and it was taking steps to address this.
"It’s important to note the significant impact of last year’s avian botulism outbreak on our bird populations. We’re working hard to reduce the risk of any recurrence and we thank the community for their patience and understanding."
