The Christchurch City Council has reached an $85 million insurance settlement over the fire-damaged Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant and offered a long-term solution for residents who have dealt with a foul odour for nearly three years.
The smell coming from the Bromley treatment plant was exacerbated after a fire damaged its two trickling filters in November 2021. The fire affected the quality of effluent flowing into the system, causing the unpleasant stench to waft across eastern parts of Christchurch.
A report into the fire found an “unauthorised heat source” that was used by contractors while repairing the trickling filter roof, which ignited flammable material.
Residents said the stench had caused sickness and made them feel stuck because they were not able to sell their homes.
Today, the Christchurch City Council announced it had reached an $85 million insurance settlement following “complex” and confidential negotiations. Councillors unanimously accepted the settlement.
After a three-year insurance battle, $85 million has now been paid out to the city council. (Source: 1News)
The council revealed that an activated sludge reactor would replace the fire-damaged filters to fix the smell issues. Design work is currently underway, and the reactor is expected to be up and running in three years.
Mayor Phil Mauger called it a “significant milestone” that would allow the council to move forward with building a more resilient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment plant.
“From the day the fire started the community has been impacted by the loss of these trickling filters, the stench caused by the interim solution was unbearable,” he said.
He called it a “distressing time for locals”, and knowledge that the lengthy process had been hard on residents – especially since the confidential negotiations had created “uncertainty” for the community.
“I want those directly impacted and all Christchurch residents to know that behind the scenes, we have been moving heaven and earth to get to this position today.”
Mauger called the sludge reactor “lightyears better” for odour control and management.
It was estimated to cost $140 million, and its design will likely be refined following a detailed review. The council said funding was included in the city’s long-term plan, so there would be no impact on rates.
The damaged plant will remain running with “minimal odour” in the expected three years it will take to build the sludge reactor.
“Keeping the plant running in its damaged state is challenging, and there will always be an element of unpredictability, but our team is experienced and quick to respond to whatever is thrown at them.”
