A SIGNIFICANT step towards resolving the persistent sewage drain odour plaguing residents of The Vines has been made, with Water Corporation identifying the likely source of the stench to be an overflow flap near Millhouse Road and Corona Way.

The breakthrough follows months of intense investigation prompted by numerous resident complaints, initially reported in Residents’ concerns over foul smell.

The ongoing issue previously prompted an apology from Water Corporation and raised considerable community alarm over the quality of life in the area.

Swan Hills MLA Michelle Maynard confirmed the investigative findings and detailed the proactive measures now being taken to alleviate the smell.

“I have continuously followed up with Water Corporation… on what’s been happening and what’s being done to fix it,” she said.

“Water Corporation has carried out several inspections over the past few weeks. After identifying a small issue with an electrical cubicle on site, the conduit was resealed and the odour improved.

“Further visits helped trace the remaining smell to the overflow flap near Millhouse Road.

“I’ll keep working closely with Water Corporation to make sure this is resolved for the community.

“If you notice anything further, please report immediately to Water Corp on 13 13 75.”

Providing new details on the actions being taken, Ms Maynard added that new pre-emptive steps are being taken to try and identify if smell has improved.

“Water Corporation is now taking proactive steps to sort this out – including upgrading odour filters, trialling a chemical dosing system, improving the overflow flap design and installing new monitoring devices,” she said.

“A three-month chemical dosing system at the North Avenue pump station is expected to be up and running by the end of December.”

A Water Corporation spokesperson said that these temporary solutions are being put in place until a more permanent solution can be developed, informed by data they continue to collect.

“We are currently trialling an interim solution to help reduce the odour levels within the local wastewater network while a permanent solution is developed,” they said.

“This involves monitoring for any odour at the Millhouse Road sewer pump station.

“We remain committed to resolving this issue as a priority and thank the community for their patience.”