Environment Canterbury has received hundreds of complaints about odour from the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant and has formally demanded answers from the Christchurch City Council.

Between 26 January and 29 January, the regional council has received 830 odour reports from across central and eastern Christchurch.

Environment Canterbury chair Dr Deon Swiggs said the immediate priority was controlling the odour as quickly as possible.

“We are issuing a formal request for CCC to provide confirmation of the actions they are taking and timeframes to rectify the current situation and address the odour,” Swiggs said.

He said the council would also require Christchurch City Council to outline proactive steps to prevent future odour issues.

“This will also include a requirement for CCC to set out the proactive actions they will take to mitigate the potential for any future odour issues,” he said.

Swiggs said enforcement action was actively being considered.

“We are also actively considering what, if any, enforcement action may be appropriate and in the public interest,” he said.

“At present, CCC are working closely with us to address the issue. However, any delays in taking effective and timely action will likely result in the use of statutory notices to compel action.”

Swiggs said the wastewater treatment plant was critical public infrastructure, which influenced the regulator’s current approach.

“As the plant is a critical piece of public infrastructure, our current enforcement approach is to work with CCC on improving odour as soon as possible,” he said.

“This approach doesn’t lessen our commitment to expecting compliance, and the issue continues to be under investigation.”

Environment Canterbury officers have continued to be visible in affected communities, with further engagement planned.

“Over the weekend, officers are scheduled to continue supporting the community by visiting known odour hotspots, speaking with residents, and assuring them that we hear their concerns and are taking them seriously,” Swiggs said.

He said Christchurch City Council staff would also be present in affected areas as part of a coordinated response.

Environment Canterbury said managing and monitoring discharges to air, including odour, formed part of its responsibilities as a regulator under the Resource Management Act and the Canterbury Air Regional Plan, including issuing notices to fix or fines where breaches occurred.

Residents experiencing health issues linked to the odour have been advised to seek medical advice.

“People experiencing health issues as a result of the odour coming from the treatment plant should seek health advice from their GP, doctor, or healthcare provider, or call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 anytime for advice as soon as possible,” Swiggs said.

“In an emergency call 111.”