John MacDonald: This idea to fix Chch's stink problem stinks

Can you believe the Christchurch City Council is even entertaining the idea of pouring partially-treated wastewater into the sea to try and reduce the stench from the burnt-out wastewater treatment plant at Bromley? Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s shameful that the council has dropped the ball on this one in such a spectacular fashion. And don’t for a minute think that my empathy for the people living with that smell night and day is anything less than what it has been. But this is a ridiculous idea cooked-up by mayor Phil Mauger. As Christchurch East MP Reuben Davidson is saying, there’s a fair amount of hope but not a lot of evidence that this plan would work and not cause harm to the environment. He’s right. The council is in panic mode and Phil Mauger is clutching at straws. A bit of background. Last week, Environment Canterbury told the city council it hadn’t done enough to sort out the awful smell coming from the plant and said it had to come up with a plan within two weeks. Hence, this idea of sending partially-treated wastewater out to sea to take the strain off the treatment plant. The council also wants to add chlorine to ensure bacteria levels are what it thinks will be safe before it reaches the ocean. Since the big fire in November 2021, the ponds at the plant have been overloaded and aren’t in great shape. And, when we had all that rain the other week, things went next level and the smell was probably as bad as it’s ever been. Phil Mauger is saying today: “We can’t sit back and expect conditions to improve on their own. Anyone who lives nearby knows the odour issues have become more intense, and we’ve been looking at all ways to help alleviate the stench.” Yeah, but this isn’t how you should be doing it Phil. E-Can says it’s surprised and concerned. My hope is that it will tell the city council to go back to the drawing board. Because why would we do something that could add to the water pollution problems we’ve already got? LISTEN ABOVE