Wanganui district councillors have been assured there were no major issues threatening to derail progress with the new city's trade waste bylaw.
The bylaw is being reworked to coincide with a $24 million upgrade of Wanganui's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).
It will be aimed not only at the six major wet industries that discharge into the system but also at second-tier businesses, including 80 food businesses that use grease traps.
The six major industries are Affco Imlay, Land Meats, Mars Petcare, Cavalier Spinners, Open Country Dairy and Tasman Tanning.
In late June, the council awarded the tender for the upgrade to the Hawkins Infrastructure. The new plant is expected to be built by July next year, followed by a three-month commissioning process before it becomes fully operational.
The council's operations and reporting committee was told this week that initial talks with Hawkins could be finalised this week and it would probably mean a revision of the final contract price.
Arno Benadie, council senior wastewater engineer, said they were nearly at the end of the early contractor involvement stage, aimed at finalising all the contract details, "which could give a revised price".
"We'll then get quantity surveyors to look at that detail to ensure it's fair," Mr Benadie said.
But councillor Rob Vinsen said he still had concerns about how the WWTP was being financed.
"I still don't think we're getting enough information, especially with the trade waste charges," he said.
Kevin Ross, council chief executive officer, said the trade waste bylaw and the charging model were still being negotiated with industries. "We hope to have a firm timeline in front of council at its next meeting," he said.
Mr Vinsen said it was vital the council had that information and an understanding of what happens if agreement cannot be reached with those wet industries.
Mr Benadie said agreement "with all players" was crucial before the plant was commissioned.
"But there has certainly been nothing in our discussions so far indicating there will be any massive hurdles to overcome," he said. The dramatic increase in stench from the ponds in December 2012 compelled the council to look for solutions before it decided on a multi-million dollar upgrade.