On Tuesday, February 11th, the Environmental Quality and Public Works (EQPW) Committee will hear an update on the odor control program from Charles Martin, Director of the Division of Water Quality.
In 2023, there was a rise in complaints about sewer odor in areas near the Town Branch (Leestown Road/New Circle area) and West Hickman (Veterans Park area) pump stations.
In 2024, improvements were made to odor control equipment at these plants and evaluation systems were created to track how well new chemicals and equipment were helping ease the odor issues. An Odor Control Manager position was created in the Fiscal Year 20205 Budget to assist with monitoring the odor. Odor testing was also completed, which included testing for sewage odor in neighborhoods near the wastewater treatment plants.
Moving forward, 2025 goals include:
More improvements to the wastewater treatment plants, which will be finished in June and November 2025
A plan to further study the effectiveness of chemicals in removing pollutants from wastewater
These studies will take place at South Elkhorn leading to West Hickman and Lower Cave Run leading to Town Branch
Develop and implement contracts for odor control equipment maintenance
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Watch the meeting: The Environmental Quality and Public Works (EQPW) Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 11th at 1pm in Council Chambers. You can attend in-person or watch live on LexTV.
Jemi Chew is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in journalism with minors in Arabic and Islamic studies and public policy. She is passionate about rural and community journalism and proud to call Kentucky home.
