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Clinton County board hears complaints about persistent odor from wastewater plant; EPA recommends second flare
Summary
County public-health staff and supervisors reported repeated hydrogen sulfide odor complaints from the Clinton Wastewater Treatment Facility, noted the plant's primary flare had been malfunctioning and that the EPA is recommending a second flare while the IDNR reviews permitting questions.
The Clinton County Board of Health on April 2 was briefed on continuing community complaints about a persistent odor tied to the Clinton Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Shane McClintock, director to the board, said county staff and an IDNR representative toured the plant and have been coordinating with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency. McClintock said the plant’s emission-control flare "when it does work, it reduces about 99% of the emissions," but that the device had not been functioning properly for a period. He said some residents, including students, have reported nausea and headaches, and that complaints allege the odor has been detectable more than three miles from the plant.
Jim Irwin, a member of the Board of Supervisors who spoke to the health board, described business impacts in the area stemming from the foul smell. Irwin said the county and state agencies are pursuing fixes and that the EPA has suggested adding a second flare to further reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions.
Irwin also reported that the engineering firm engaged with the plant did not obtain a permit for releasing certain air; the IDNR has indicated enforcement options are limited until legal counsel completes a review. County staff said they will continue coordinating with legal and regulatory partners and the city of Clinton on next steps.
The board did not vote on a specific remedy at the meeting; members and staff said they will continue to track agency findings and any corrective actions by the plant operator.
