Canterbury Regional Council issues abatement notice for treatment plant stench

The Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) has issued Christchurch City Council an abatement notice for failing to provide an adequate action plan to address the persistent stench coming from the fire-damaged Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bromley.

Environment Canterbury has received more than 4,500 reports from the community describing a putrid, sewage-like smell that has been placing significant strain on residents across East and Central Ōtautahi Christchurch since late January 2026.

“Our team has been engaging directly with affected residents, and we know the impact of the offensive smell is significant, with the prolonged duration of the smell proving particularly challenging for the community,” said Brett Aldridge, Environment Canterbury Director of Operations.

“As the region’s environmental regulator, Environment Canterbury is responsible for monitoring discharges to air, including odour, and ensuring any non-compliance is addressed.

“Environment Canterbury previously signalled to Christchurch City Council that delays in taking effective and timely action could result in the use of statutory tools.

“Issuing this abatement notice today demonstrates that we are serious about establishing a clear path toward long-term, sustainable solutions for the plant that bring relief to affected communities.”

Christchurch City Council must provide a satisfactory plan to the region’s environmental regulator by Monday 16 March 2026. This plan must outline both short- and long-term odour-mitigation measures, along with achievable timeframes. An independent wastewater engineer will be contracted to review the plan provided.

Learn more about our response to this ongoing issue: What’s the story: Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant smell