Background
The City works closely with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to investigate odour complaints and to ensure all City facilities meet regulatory requirements. Initial investigations, conducted over a period of time, identified multiple potential sources of odour, making it challenging to pinpoint a single cause in the community.
In response to community feedback regarding odour concerns in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder proactively engaged an independent odour specialist to conduct an assessment in October 2024.
Report Findings
An odour report has been received, and the City acknowledges its findings. The report identified multiple contributing sources of the odour near each other, including the City’s South Boulder Wastewater Treatment Plant. Other industries and businesses identified as contributors have been provided with relevant sections of the report to guide their own actions in addressing the issue.
While other contributors have been identified, the City is committed to addressing issues within its own facilities, with new insights and key operational improvements identified at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The report to Council is available to read in the document library.
What has been done?
Several proactive measures to improve the plant’s performance and mitigate impacts on the community have already been implemented. These include:
- Improved management of our lagoons by adding lime during the colder months to enhance the pH levels and reduce odour.
- Mechanical aeration in the lagoons to improve dissolved oxygen levels, further enhancing treatment and reducing odour.
- Since July 2024, tanker waste entering the plant has been significantly reduced. While this change was externally initiated, it has positively contributed to reducing odour emissions.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, the City will replace the ageing Intermittent Decanted Extended (IDEA) plant, a processing facility which combines aeration and sediment in the same tank, as part of this and next financial year's budget. The existing plant has been in operation for over two decades and is hindered by design limitations. The new plant, set to be operational within 12 months, will significantly enhance wastewater processing and reduce the potential for odour emissions.
Odour Feedback
As the City continues to monitor and make improvements, residents are welcome to continue to report instances of odours via the form below.
Information such as time and location you observed the odour, the intensity of odour, a description of the odour (e.g. chemical, rubbish, manure, smoky, etc) and any additional notes, such as weather conditions like strong winds, low temperatures, or clear skies is helpful.
