Area around this Wichita sewage plant will be more stinky after apparent operator error
Wichitans living around the wastewater plant at 57th Street South and Hydraulic may be smelling “increased odors” for the next two weeks after an apparent operator error, city officials said in a news release.
Officials said no health impact is expected from the odors, but the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been notified about the issue.
“Officials at the City of Wichita want residents in the vicinity of the plant to be aware of the likelihood of increased odors caused by a temporary change in process to the treatment of bio solids ... Staff is taking steps to bring in extra equipment to expedite the processing and abate the odor as much as possible with the application of lime and other odor control chemicals,” the news release says. “There are no mechanical issues with the plant.
“The cause of the change in treatment process is being investigated but initial findings suggest operator error. The wastewater treatment plant is in compliance with all discharge requirements and is being closely monitored.”
People have complained about the smell caused partly by that facility even before the operator error.