No end in sight for Boulder odour, but mayor says ‘process modifications' have been implemented
There is currently no end in sight for the smell which has been plaguing Boulder, with mayor Glenn Wilson unable to estimate when it might end, but revealing 'process modifications' had been recently implemented.
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is working with the Department of Water and Environment Regulation, who received the city's independent odour investigation report, to address several factors at the South Boulder Wastewater Treatment Plant that could impact odour issues in the city.
When asked by the Kalgoorlie Miner what progress had been made recently, Mr Wilson said process modifications were implemented last week at the plant, with additional changes scheduled during the next two months.
'We understand the continued odour in Boulder is frustrating for residents and, unfortunately, there's no simple answer,' he said.
'The odour is coming from several sources, many of which are outside the city's control.
'While we can't give a date for when it will stop, we're focused on addressing what's within our reach and making sure upgrades to our facility stay on track.
'We're also continuing to work closely with DWER on the wider issue.'
Mr Wilson said relevant parts of the independent report were shared with private operators identified as contributors, but he could not comment on what progress, if any, had been made by them to reduce the smell.
He encouraged residents to continue reporting instances of the odour at https://yoursay.ckb.wa.gov.au/community-consultation-odour-issue.
Described by residents as a 'rotten-egg smell', 'sewage smell', and 'chemical smell', the odour has long been a source of community complaints.
In response to ongoing concerns, the city engaged Perth-based odour specialist Philippe Najean from OPAM Consulting, who assessed the issue and reported his findings to the council.
The wastewater treatment plant was identified as a 'significant contributor' to the smell, with the report saying implementation of 'more effective measures' — such as the upgraded intermittent decanted extended aeration plant — would help create a more 'pleasant environment' for all.
The Western Resource Recovery odour emissions were also found to have an effect at further distances — at least 2.5km — but the report says additional assessment is required to assess the true distance.
The increased height of the Super Pit bund wall on the south side has also been identified as an issue regarding dissipation of the plume.
Recycled water used for irrigation in local parks, especially Wingate Street and Norkal parks, and aircraft activity at the airport, also contributed to odours reported by the community.
A potential contributing odour from Fimiston was also recognised, but the report says additional assessment will be required to confirm if it is affecting the community.
The BHP nickel smelter and Lynas Rare Earths processing facility were not fully operational during the investigation.
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