The plant had struck problems in the first week of this month to address an issue with the sludge processing and dewatering system at the council.
A second problem then occurred with the facility’s aeration grids after repairs were made to the sludge processing and dewatering system.
Queenstown Lakes District Council infrastructure operations manager Simon Mason said the faults were affecting the level of oxygen available to the wastewater treatment process, resulting in further odour from the facility.
"A selection of aeration grids were removed and inspected on Wednesday this week, and crews on site have made temporary repairs where possible. However, additional replacement parts are required to resolve the issues entirely," Mr Mason said.
"These parts have been ordered, but unfortunately, not all are available in New Zealand and this will mean some delays should be expected until we can fully address these faults."
In the meantime, plans are in place to transport a surface aerator from Marlborough District Council to the facility with urgency, to work alongside an odour mitigation cannon on site to lessen smell in the area.
A surface aerator transfers oxygen by breaking up the wastewater into a spray of particles, creating more surface area for atmospheric pressure to drive oxygen into the wastewater.
Mr Mason apologised for the unpleasant time local residents and businesses were having as a result of odour coming from Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant, and added that the site team was working tirelessly to optimise the operation of the facility and ease effects on the community.
The council continues to provide Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) pollution team with daily reports on odour coming from the plant.
No indication has been given on how long the work will take and how much the repairs are costing the council.
Nearby residents in Quail Rise had been hit by some bad smells since the repairs started. They had complained of not being able to sit outside or being able to hang clothes out on the line.
— Staff reporter
