Hastings District Council says it is closer to finding a solution to odour problems from a new $27 million wastewater plant.
However, the plant at Clive, east of Hastings, remains on reduced capacity, with domestic sewage being diverted.
Clive residents have complained about bad-smelling gas from the plant since it opened in July last year.
Hastings District Council water services manager Brett Chapman says new options to deal with the odour are being tested.
Mr Chapman says the next steps to deal with the issue will be discussed at a meeting on Friday with the Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
