Maffra wastewater odour update

Gippsland Water has thanked the Maffra community for their understanding during the current wastewater odour event.

General Manager Customer and Community, Paul Clark, said the odour is caused by industrial wastewater temporarily held at the Fulton Road storage lagoon.

“This is something we do from time to time, to support local industry during peak and non-standard operating periods.

“It also helps to protect our environment, by preventing industrial waste from entering local waterways.”

Mr Clark explained that the while the odour was unpleasant, there was no physical risk to people, animals or the environment.

“The waste being stored at the lagoon is non-toxic wastewater, created as a by-product of a food-grade industrial process,” Mr Clark said.

Gippsland Water is aerating and monitoring the lagoon daily. They expect that with reduced waste intake, the odour will dissipate in the weeks ahead.

“While it’s difficult to provide a specific date when the odour will be completely gone, we’re working with industry to return the waste to its source as quickly as possible,” Mr Clark said.

“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the Maffra community for their patience and understanding,” Mr Clark concluded.