City staff take action after bad smells reported in the Oakland area
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Staff at the Topeka wastewater treatment plant took action after locals complained of bad smells in the Oakland neighborhood this past weekend.
Amanda Knowland with the City of Topeka told 27 News that city staff made some adjustments to the plant on the weekend of Nov. 9-10 following complaints from locals of strong odors in the Oakland area, possibly coming from the nearby wastewater treatment plant at 1115 Northeast Poplar Street. She said the source of the odors may be tied to multiple different factors.
"First, there was a larger number of high-strength waste deliveries due to the holiday," Knowland said. "When these trucks dispose of their waste at the plant, it can cause a periodic uptick in odors, but that is generally short-lived."
Knowland said the renewable natural gas facility is currently down due to maintenance work. The bad smells may also be coming from several sources, not just the plant itself.
"It is important to note that these types of odors can come from a variety of locations, including the wastewater treatment plant, a wastewater pump station, a sanitary sewer main, or even a home’s floor drains," Knowland said.
Staff at the plant took action by activating an additional blower to help push more air through a biofilter to reduce the odor coming from the building. They also adjusted flares at the facility, used to burn away excess methane, to help resolve the smell issue.
Knowland said people with complaints about smells coming from the plant or other sources can call 785-368-3111 to help staff make the necessary adjustments or troubleshoot problems. You can learn more about the city's Utilities Department by clicking here.
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