Work on identifying the source of the odour problem in Waipukurau, and efforts to resolve it, are now well under way after complaints from residents about the smell that has strengthened in recent weeks.
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council confirmed on Thursday that it had received 43 calls to its pollution hotline since December last year, peaking in the last six weeks with 13 calls in May and 16 this month so far.
The CHB District Council informally discussed the matter last week in order to get an update on the problem that is centred around the Waipukurau wastewater treatment plant's anaerobic pond, but had also been experienced on the other side of town, as far as Thornton Lodge Motel on Takapau Rd.
Councillors Gerard Minehan, who lives on the same road as the treatment plant, and Shelley Burne-Field said they had received multiple calls from residents over the last week, complaining about the issue and asking what was causing it.
Mr Minehan said he had experienced the sulphuric smell that "goes down your throat".