Elusive pong detected in Timaru

A new smell has invaded Timaru, but Environment Canterbury has warned tracking it down will not be that simple.

ECan received three complaints yesterday morning, bringing back memories of the 100 people who complained to ECan about a "fishy" smell around this time last year.

It was revealed then that the Sanford fish meal plant was the most likely cause of the pong.

However, monitoring and compliance officer Michael Flynn said yesterday's complainants described the stench as being similar to sewage, rather than fish.

When he went out to investigate, the smell had gone.

"It wasn't the smell that we often get complaints about," Mr Flynn said.

"Where the complaints came from was out Washdyke way. Normally if it's a fishy smell, complaints come from the CBD. It's not uncommon to get smells [near Washdyke] because there's a lot of processing there."

Tracking down the source of the odour was not as simple as people thought, he said.

"The problem with this issue is that as soon as it arrives, it goes ... People seem to think you just follow your nose but it's not that easy.

"Speaking to a scientist, the odour can be emitted and then go out to sea and the wind changes and it comes back the next day. I'm not saying that's the case here, but [that shows how difficult it can be]."

Mr Flynn said he had not smelt the smell yesterday but he was "pretty confident" it was not the same stench that was reported last year.

However, that stench still seems to be lingering.

"Before Christmas we had half a dozen complaints about a fishy smell. It seemed to be around mid morning. We couldn't identify the emitter."

Last year, an ECan staff member said there was a possibility ECan would have to look at using a more scientific approach during the course of investigations.

Mr Flynn said that was still being worked on.

"We have been talking to other regional councils that have ports about how they tackle the issue but it's not easy. We have really got to be able to identify positively the emitter and then use equipment to scientifically prove it."

If ECan could prove it, the offender could be served with an infringement notice.

Mr Flynn "sincerely hoped" they would find the source.

"People are being co-operative. I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this.

"Last year we went as far as going around with [the Timaru District Council] and lifting all the manhole covers. We spoke to all the possible offenders and they all want it cleared up."

Residents are encouraged to report smells to ECan on 0800 765 588, noting the time, location and type of stench.

- © Fairfax NZ News