Ohio Residents Protest Lingering Sewage Odor

In Chesapeake, Ohio (not to be confused with Chesapeake, Virginia, which is in the ECWQ service area), residents have grown increasingly vocal about a sewage-like odor that has plagued the area for years. Many attribute the foul smell to a nearby utility company, Aqua Ohio, and are calling for change amid concerns for their health and quality of life.

The issue has sparked the creation of a Facebook group named “Stop the Stink,” which has garnered hundreds of visitors in just a week. Residents hope the growing attention will pressure the utility company and local authorities to address the problem.

The odor described by locals as “pure sewage” has become an intermittent nuisance. Residents like Dottie and her husband, Bill, shared their experiences. “Every now and then we have sore throats, and we believe it’s related,” Dottie said. They reported that the smell often follows them even after driving past the utility plant.

The couple’s son, Billy, owns property along the Ohio River near Aqua Ohio’s facility. “We’ve been told it’s a sewer facility—what do you expect?” Billy recounted. “But we’ve lived around other facilities before and never smelled anything like this.”

EPA & Utility Company Respond

Aqua Ohio purchased the Riverside wastewater treatment plant in July 2023, investing $4 million in improvements. The company acknowledges the odor but defends its efforts. Jeff Andrew, a spokesperson for Aqua Ohio, emphasized, “The EPA reviewed the facility in spring 2024 and found no issues.”

However, residents argue that action has been slow. Despite filing a federal complaint with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year, locals have yet to see significant progress. “We’re seeing no action,” one resident stated.

The Ohio EPA confirmed receiving an odor complaint from the Chesapeake area within the last 30 days. In a statement, the agency attributed the issue to environmental factors like overcast weather, high humidity, and low airflow. “While odor is expected at a treatment plant actively treating sewage and wastewater, we understand it can be unpleasant at times,” the EPA said.

Officials also highlighted the progress Aqua Ohio has made to minimize odors but admitted that some smells are unavoidable with sewage treatment operations.

Public Frustration Builds

The persistent odor is not only an inconvenience but also a growing source of distress for families. Parents worry about the impact on their children, who live, play, and attend school in the affected area. “Nobody wants to live like this,” said one resident. “It’s unhealthy and unacceptable.”

The “Stop the Stink” Facebook group serves as a platform for residents to voice their frustrations and organize efforts to demand accountability.

Chesapeake’s community remains hopeful for a resolution. They urge Aqua Ohio to intensify its efforts to control the odor and call on the EPA to provide more oversight and transparency.

The Role of Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners

Reverse osmosis filtration systems could offer a potential solution for improving water quality in the affected area, though they do not address airborne odors. Whole-home water conditioners, designed to remove impurities from household water, may help reduce residents’ exposure to contaminants possibly linked to the treatment plant. Investing in these systems could provide some relief while broader infrastructure improvements are pursued.

Source: WOWK 13 News on Youtube