"We've been fortunate that cooler, windy weather conditions [yesterday] have assisted in containing the smell and preventing it having a wider effect. Some of the hydrogen sulphide reached the treatment plant before we began diversion to sea, so the ponds have been affected and this could result in increased odours.
"To help reduce this, we started applying lime to the ponds from 7am on Friday and have significantly increased the atomiser neutralising fence around the ponds.
"From 11.15am the wastewater was being diverted straight to sea, bypassing the treatment plant. This will continue until the excessive levels of hydrogen sulphide reduce."
It was hoped to stop the diversion last night or today.
Ms Main called it "absolutely a decision of last resort".
The situation had been complicated by yesterday's fire.
"A number of hazardous materials had to be washed away by the Fire Service and some of this has entered the sewerage system. This means it is too dangerous to use hydrogen peroxide treatment as the wastewater goes through Beach Rd pumping station and we've stopped the addition of any treatments at Beach Rd until Monday morning."