Smoke Testing Rolls Out in Lexington to Tackle Sewage Smells

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Residents of Lexington are bracing for a wave of non-toxic white smoke as the city dives into smoke testing next week to combat the notorious sewage smell that has been plaguing several neighborhoods.

This initiative kicks off on **September 9** in the Meadowthorpe neighborhood and is aimed at identifying where the sewer system might be leaking. The smokey investigation will follow in Cumberland Hill and Pinnacle neighborhoods. So, if you’re a resident in these areas, expect some action outside your doorstep!

The city’s Director of Water Quality, Charles Martin, has been closely monitoring the situation that’s been causing a sulfur-like stench to infiltrate the air. Complaints from residents lit up his desk, especially from folks in the **Cumberland Hill** area during the fall of 2023. One resident likened the dismal smell to “burned sulfur” or “wet matches,” which hardly paints a pleasant picture.

As part of this **sanitary sewer odor control** effort, city contractors will deliver a harmless white smoke into manholes. If there’s a cracked or damaged sewer pipe, the smoke will rise through the ground, which means they’ve located a problem area. This should help pinpoint where the odors are stemming from, allowing officials to take prompt action.

To inform residents, workers will be spreading the word with **door hangers** and **yard signs** plastered around the affected neighborhoods. The door hangers will also provide an emergency contact number for anyone who might have questions or concerns during the testing. Martin assures residents, “If you see smoke enter your home, don’t panic. Just open your windows and doors to let the smoke out, and give us a buzz at (888) 357-6653.”

In a bid to tackle this lingering issue head-on, the city sought the expertise of **Webster Environmental Associates**, a consultant firm hailing from Louisville. Martin pointed out how critical it is to have accurate data: “Last fall, I felt like I was flying blind because I had no data to evaluate anything.” Besides the smoke testing, the city is now equipped with monitoring tools to assess the effectiveness of actions taken against these persistent odors, providing a clearer picture as efforts continue.

When to Expect Smoke Testing

• Start Date: September 9
• Location: Meadowthorpe Neighborhood
• Subsequent Areas: Cumberland Hill and Pinnacle
• Expected Completion: Early November

If you are uncertain about whether or not your neighborhood is part of this testing, you can always swing by lexingtonky.gov/sewerupdates for the latest updates. Additionally, for anything urgent, you can reach out to the Lexington Fire Department’s non-emergency number at 859-231-5600. Keeping the channels of communication open is key as residents navigate through this smoke saga!

This smoke testing is not just a trial and error effort; it’s a focused action to finally crush the sewage odor that several neighborhoods have been dealing with for far too long. For many residents, this smell isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s become a part of daily life, too familiar for comfort.

The testing is a clear sign that city officials are ready to dive deep into fixing the issue and making Lexington a little less stinky. So, if you see some smoke creeping through during the testing period, just remember it’s all part of the plan to improve the air quality in your community.

As smoke testing hits the ground, residents are hopeful for a fresher smelling future in Lexington. Here’s to clearer air and a focus on tackling those lingering odors, one smoke test at a time!

Now, make sure to take note of the upcoming schedule and be on the lookout for the handy notifications to stay informed. Together, the community and city can work towards a smell-free environment!