Had it with smell from sewer plant

I have lived on South Street in Cromwell for many years. I am getting tired of the smell coming from the Mattabassett Sewer District, especially after last summer. When the wind is blowing from the south, many times it smells in our neighborhood.

On summer days and evenings, we would like to sit outdoors and enjoy our property. Many time, we cannot, as it simply smells bad.

Imagine sleeping at night with your windows open only to wake up and smell an odor.

I looked on a DEEP website, and found that smell is called nuisance odor. When you drive past the plant on Route 9 in either direction, you will often smell it.

I contacted the plant and requested some records to see how they record our complaints. I was surprised at the errors I found. I received the Middletown wastewater pumping records (their wastewater now comes to the plant) and saw even more errors. When I asked for more information, I was told to contact Middletown.

The management’s response was they receive few odor complaints and have the newest odor equipment. They even offered me a tour. I have toured the plant many times over the years, but it still smells, regardless of the new equipment. Why would I tour the plant if I can smell it in my backyard?

I spoke at one of their board meetings. When I tried to see in the minutes what the board members said, there was nothing to see. It was as if I never spoke. Records are for the public to see. After that, I decided to call DEEP.

You would not even know I had an odor complaint: no recording, no written minutes, not even my letter to them, nothing to review but one vague one-sentence report.

I believe all their records are public information, as they are reported to the state and EPA.

I need the public’s help to resolve this issue. Please call the Mattabassett District in Cromwell if you smell an odor at 860-635-5550 or info@mattdist.org.

Fresh air should not depend on wind direction.

Al Waters Cromwell

The writer is a common councilman in Cromwell.