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After weekend odor complaints, commission approves hydrogen-sulfide data loggers to protect crews and guide dosing
Summary
Following odor complaints in humid weather, Tyngsborough staff proposed buying higher-end hydrogen-sulfide data loggers and a portable sensor to record concentrations at affected wet wells; commissioners approved ordering units from the pump-station maintenance budget to support safety and dosing decisions.
The commission responded to recent weekend odor complaints (noted on Packer Lane and in the Muskeic area) by approving purchase of hydrogen-sulfide monitoring equipment to record concentrations inside wet wells and near pump stations.
Staff described the problem and the occupational-safety rationale for continuous monitoring: portable nose-based checks can miss episodic spikes, while data loggers record parts-per-million concentrations over time and produce a downloadable record for diagnostics and worker-safety decisions. Staff proposed buying two higher-end data loggers (roughly $2,600 each) for inside wet wells and one lower-cost portable unit (about $600) for outside monitoring.
"These data loggers will give you day-by-day logging of the hydrogen sulfides coming into the wet well," staff said, adding that logged values would help the team calibrate chemical dosing and reduce unnecessary continuous dosing. Commissioners noted that hot, humid weather can trap odors and that pumping activity on nearby properties can create temporary local odors.
Staff said money for the purchase exists within the pump-station maintenance line item and asked the commission to approve an order; commissioners agreed and directed staff to proceed with procurement. Staff also said data from the loggers could be used to refine dosing of bioxide and other odor-control chemicals, potentially lowering recurring chemical costs.
Next steps: staff will order two wet-well data loggers and one portable unit, deploy them to problem stations (Parker, Coburn and others as needed), gather continuous data and report back with findings and any adjustments to dosing or maintenance practices.
