Breakthrough on odours at Bombo

In what will be good news for many residents, Sydney Water has announced it is embarking on a three year project to fix the smell coming from its Bombo sewage treatment plant.

“Sydney Water is working to reduce odour around the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility by covering all drains around the plant and sealing all vents,” a spokesperson has told The Bugle in response to enquiries.

“An upgrade to the facility, which will further reduce odour issues, has been approved and will be completed in stages over the next three years.

“Sydney Water has briefed the Minister of Lands and Water office regarding these odour concerns.”

No detail was given about the investment that is to be made in the project, or when it will start, with a spokesperson saying, “Sydney Water is in the process of determining the cost and upgrade details for the Facility over the next three years.”

Murray Griffith has been campaigning for something to be done for some time, including recently gaining the support of Gareth Ward MP who made representations to the Minister. When the Griffiths bought their house above the Boneyard 28 years ago, the odour from the sewage treatment plant was occasional and mild.

Many live much closer to it than they do.

“When we first moved here only we got it 3-4 times in a year, when a strong south-easter blew, and it might last 24-48 hours.

“Now it happens weekly and lasts for 48 hours.”

In the last two years Mr Griffiths says the odour has got much stronger.

“During holiday season, it is there every day as the increased volume is clearly too much pressure for the system.”

Having heard excuses before, he is very pleased to finally hear of an upgrade.

“Way too many people are now affected by the odour – they had to do something about it,” says the engineer.

He’d like confirmation it is continued page 12