$1.2m puts lid on big stink

No odour-causing hydrogen sulphide has been detected at the East Clive Wastewater treatment plant since lids were put in place last month.
The $1.2 million lids were built to control smells at the plant, which had been the subject of complaints from neighbours.
Hastings District Council water services manager Brett Chapman said no smell complaints had been recorded since the lids were put in place, and monitoring had not detected any hydrogen sulphide.
In a report to a council meeting yesterday officers said early indications were good, but further testing and monitoring was needed.
The council has also applied for a resource consent for an air discharge, which will be put on hold for three months while the lids are monitored.
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council has agreed to the delay, subject to the district council holding an open day at the plant for residents, and establishing a community liaison group.
Mr Chapman said the group would be established next month.