Published 24/11/2023
Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant odour causing a stink
Wellington Water and Hutt City Council are aware that odour levels from the Seaview Treatment Plant are impacting people in the area.
Wellington Water notified the community recently that work would be done to replace the Plant’s biofilter media to help reduce odour.
This work may take up to three months to complete and we are running odour blasters during this time to help reduce the odour.
The biofilter media needs to be replaced from time to time to remain effective. Its job is to reduce the odour that is produced by the wastewater treatment process.
Steve Hutchison, Chief Advisor Wastewater at Wellington Water, acknowledges that there has been increased odour in the local area since the work has started and appreciates the impact this has had on local residents and businesses.
“We completely understand how frustrating this has been for businesses and locals and we do acknowledge the odour is uncomfortable and unpleasant. We’re working closely with the plant operator and contractor to get this important maintenance work done as quickly and as safely as possible to reduce the public impact.
“While we undertake this important work, stronger odour levels at times are unfortunately unavoidable. This is a complex issue and we are talking with Hutt City Council on planning future renewal and upgrade work which will improve the plant’s performance,” he says.
Wellington Water and Hutt City Council are also planning a community meeting to answer any questions the community has about the work programme, or any other concerns they may have. The date, time and location will be confirmed soon.
“We will continue to update the public as this work progresses.”
More information about this work can be found on Wellington Water’s website.
For more information on details of the community meeting, please follow Wellington Water’s Facebook page for updates.
Editor notes
Wellington Water is owned and fully funded by Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, and Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council. All six councils are equal shareholders.
Our councils own the water infrastructure in the region, and they task us to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.
Wellington Water is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board and our organisation receive overall leadership and direction from the Wellington Water Committee, which are also responsible for appointing members to the Board.
The Wellington Water Committee is made up of representatives from our council owners and mana whenua.