An abatement notice has been issued to Christchurch City Council after ongoing odour problems from the fire damaged Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant affected parts of Christchurch.

Environment Canterbury confirmed many central Christchurch areas had been impacted by unpleasant smells drifting from the Bromley based facility, creating disruption for residents and businesses.

The regional council said it had issued the abatement notice on 26 February after the city council failed to provide an adequate action plan addressing the persistent stench.

Environment Canterbury said delays in taking effective and timely action had previously been flagged as a concern, warning statutory powers could be used if progress was not made.

The enforcement step requires Christchurch City Council to supply a detailed plan by 16 March 2026 outlining both short and long term measures to reduce odour, along with clear and achievable timeframes.

Environment Canterbury said issuing the notice demonstrated it was serious about establishing a clear pathway toward sustainable solutions for the treatment plant and relief for affected communities.

The regulator said it would continue working alongside Christchurch City Council and the National Public Health Service as efforts continued to resolve the issue.

A Christchurch City Council spokesperson said “the notice states that the plant is currently breaching its resource consent because odour is travelling beyond the boundary of the treatment plant and oxidation ponds.

“Under the notice, we are required to provide Environment Canterbury with a comprehensive management plan outlining how we will meet consent conditions, including monitoring processes, standard operating procedures, and contingency actions to minimise odour risk. This must be submitted by 16 March.

“We take this notice seriously. Addressing odour remains a top priority and we are committed to doing everything we can to reduce impacts on the community. We will continue to keep the community and Environment Canterbury updated as this work progresses.”