Mount Carmel Mayor Joe Judge says the ongoing drought is responsible for unpleasant odors coming from the city's wastewater treatment plant on South Division Street, and city crews are taking steps to address the problem.
The issue was first raised during Friday's Ask the Mayor program on WSJD, when a listener complained that strong odors from the sewer plant have made it difficult to enjoy evenings outdoors.
Judge explained that the city's aging sewer system normally receives additional water from rainfall and groundwater infiltration. However, the extended dry conditions have dramatically reduced the amount of water flowing through the treatment plant.
The mayor said the plant typically processes between 1.2 and 1.5 million gallons of wastewater daily. Currently, that figure has dropped to just 200,000 to 300,000 gallons.
Judge says the unusually low flow has contributed to a buildup in the plant's primary sludge tanks, resulting in the strong odors residents have been noticing.
During Tuesday's Mount Carmel City Council meeting, Judge provided another update, saying the plant's flow had barely reached 200,000 gallons that morning.
The mayor said crews began making adjustments Monday in an effort to reduce the odors, but warned that it could take several days before residents notice an improvement.
Judge also addressed suggestions from residents that the city simply add more water to the treatment system.
He explained that the plant uses non-potable water from its treatment process, and that supply is limited. Adding chlorinated water from the city's drinking water system could disrupt the biological processes inside the plant's clarifiers, potentially causing expensive problems.
Judge emphasized that the city must carefully manage any adjustments to avoid damaging the treatment system.
The mayor also assured residents that the wastewater treatment plant remains in full compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations and that state officials are aware of the unusually low flow conditions.
Judge said city employees are doing what they can to minimize the odors while protecting the plant's operations.
He added that some much-needed rainfall would help improve conditions at the facility.