Work is about to start on a long-term solution to the odour issues experienced since the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant fire.
Christchurch City Council has awarded a contract to HEB Construction to install a new activated sludge reactor at the Bromley plant.
The city council is working closely with the contractor to get the site established as soon as possible, with construction expected to start early in the new year.
“This is such a major milestone for the project, I’m so thrilled we’re moving forward and can get work under way,” Mayor Phil Mauger said.
“We owe it to the local residents and everyone in Christchurch to construct an up-to-date new activated sludge system that's built for the future."
City council head of three waters Gavin Hutchison said the work follows the demolition of the fire-damaged trickling filters earlier this year, clearing the way for the new reactor.
Last year the city council settled an $85 million insurance claim over the 2021 fire that destroyed the wastewater treatment plant and caused a stench across the city's east.
"Once the new facility is operational, it will provide a long-term solution to the odour issues experienced since the fire, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing capacity to support our growing population,” Hutchison said.
"We know the fire and its aftermath have had a significant impact on the community, and we appreciate how challenging this period has been.
"While it has taken time to get to this point, we can now move from planning into delivery, and that’s great news for the plant and the wider community."
Construction is expected to take about three years, with commissioning targeted for 2028.
“It’s great to see this critical upgrade work progressing. It’s no small feat keeping the damaged plant running with minimal odour,” Hutchison says.
“We’re currently trialling installing cutoff walls that will allow us to isolate the clarifier tanks. This is a key preparatory step for critical repair works scheduled to begin in March.
Hutchison says that if the trial is successful, the walls will be installed towards the end of this year, streamlining the upcoming repairs and reducing the impact on normal operations.
“We look forward to working with the local community and keeping everyone informed throughout these important projects.”
A community meeting is planned for December, where city council staff will answer questions about the activated sludge reactor project, the upcoming clarifier work, and ongoing operations at the treatment plant. This will be an opportunity for residents to learn more about the upgrades and share feedback.
- For more information and to sign up for updates, visit the project webpage
