Reducing odour in Eastbourne

What are we doing?

Our odour control system requires significant repair, and we had hoped to have this completed by the end of August. However, after further investigation we found that the odour control units need a deep clean.

To do this we needed to source a specialist cleaning solution from our suppliers. We now have this and the deep clean has begun.

You’ll see a noticeable improvement in odour by mid-November, when we’ll have two units working properly. You should see further improvement by mid-December, as we complete the first stage of cleaning.

We're also completing a significant upgrade at the site to increase its  resilience. This work will continue until March 2026.

Why does it smell at Eastbourne?

High levels of H₂S (hydrogen sulphide) gas causes odour because of:

• the site’s costal location and the mix of sewage and salt water.
• the sewage turning septic, either because of the hot weather, or blockages in the network
• the site being below ground makes is more difficult to get fresh air inside.

As well as the H₂S gas, odour can also be due to the odour control system needing repairs, the odour control units being out of service and/or the sea bringing in natural odour such as nearby shipping. 

Other natural odours are sometimes thought to be from the treatment works, like the annual ‘May rot’ in the harbour.

Is there any risk to public health?

Government guidance shows that H₂S gas quickly evaporates in open air. Our continuous odour monitoring confirms that — even when the smell is strong — the levels of H₂S gas at the edge of the site stay well below the point where it could affect public health.

How do we measure odour?

We use monitors installed across the site to measure the amount of H₂S. They are able to tell us the concentration of gas at any time, and let us know if it reaches a level people are able to smell.

Contact the team

There is no need to contact us about this but if you have any questions or would like to report any particularly bad smells, please call us on 0330 303 0368. Using our odour monitoring system, we’ll be able to tell you if the smell is coming from the treatment works. Our most recent updates can be found on our map.