Reducing odour in Eastbourne

What are we doing? 

We’d hoped to complete repairs by the end of August, but as work progressed, we identified the need to deep clean the odour control units alongside the planned repairs. 

We’ve been working closely with our suppliers to source the specialist cleaning solution required. We expect to receive the replacement parts and cleaning solution by the end of September and will begin work immediately.

Why does it smell at Eastbourne?

Odour at Eastbourne Wastewater Treatment Works can be caused by blockages, hot weather, the site’s location – below ground and by the sea — and smells from nearby natural sources, like the harbour. There are several ways we reduce this — like timing treatment, clearing blockages and dosing — and our on-site odour control system plays a big role in reducing odour. 

Useful information for residents and visitors

You should notice a significant improvement in odour by mid-November, when two of the three units will be operating effectively following cleaning. Further improvements are expected by mid-December, as we complete the first stage of cleaning across all three units.

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.