City of Lexington addresses ongoing odor problems

Lexington, Ky (WTVQ): The City of Lexington explained today that the air quality issues, and a ‘stench’ people have been experiencing coming from two wastewater plants.

Council Member Jennifer Reynolds says the problem’s been going on since the end of summer, causing concern for many folks in the Townley and Meadow Thorpe neighborhoods. “Lots and lots of people complaining to me that they couldn’t go outside, they couldn’t leave their windows open,” Reynolds said.

The problem grew to be such an issue that they mayor signed an emergency order to bring a consultant in to look at what the problems causing the issue.

The Director of Water Control Charles Martin says there’s many reasons odors can come from the plants. Including decomposition, weather, and the time of year. “Fall seems to be the bigger time. Not only because of the lack of rain but it’s warm in the daytime and cool in the evening, and it has a tendency to trap whatever’s in the air in the lower areas such as around the treatment plants,” Martin said.

The city is working on a long-term plan for the smell, but Reynolds says it will most likely be a year until any significant changes are made. “It probably won’t go away completely it’s a waste water treatment plant,” she said. “There’s smells that go along with that.”