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 going to start in the next six months, and encourages other members of the community to lobby on the urgency.

“I’d like to see some tangible proof that it is going to start and it is going to be of substance – maybe doubling the capacity is warranted given the growth that has happened and is on the horizon.”

Mr Ward says, “I would encourage locals to contact me and Sydney Water when they smell any unpleasant odours coming from the plant.”\

A long time diver and fisherman The Bugle spoke to has another perspective on the impact of the treatment plant.

He says because the plant is pumping out high nutrient water the area around Bombo is dead and the fish have gone, and all around the area the water is green, rather than blue, due to the algal growth.

“The whole system is antiquated, with excrement floating around when there is rain. When there is a storm, everything goes into the harbour and it goes brown and froths up.

“All of this needs to be looked at too, not just the smell.”

A pipe leading from the plant

CEO Jane Stroud is also looking for a holistic approach, saying, “Kiama Council welcomes the news that Sydney Water plans to upgrade the Bombo Water Resource Facility to reduce odour and address other issues, which have been negatively affecting our community for some time now.

“We look forward to hearing more about Sydney Water’s plans and we would also welcome further engagement and action on some of our other water and sewerage issues in the Municipality.

“These include the restrictions on sewerage connections in Jamberoo, which has severely hindered development.”

The issue of the smell has been highlighted to a large audience through the comedy posts of The Inspired Unemployed, who live nearby and often mention the stink while filming there.

Fixing the odour will also benefit the promotion of Bombo Headland as a tourist destination, given the $500,000 investment by the State Government in the staircase down the cliff face.