Smoke Testing Set to Start in Lexington to Tackle Sewage Smell

LEXINGTON, Ky. — If you’ve ever strolled through the Meadowthorpe neighborhood and caught a whiff of a nasty sewage odor, you’re not alone. This pungent smell has been a lingering issue for residents in various parts of Lexington. Thankfully, the city is gearing up to tackle this problem head-on with smoke testing that kicks off next week, weather permitting.

This method involves using non-toxic white smoke pushed into manholes to track down any broken or cracked sewer pipes that might be causing the unpleasant odor wafting through the area. When the smoke finds a leak, it will rise up through the ground, pointing to where the trouble lies.

Starting on September 9, crews will begin smoke testing specifically in the Meadowthorpe neighborhood, followed by areas around Cumberland Hill and Pinnacle. To keep everyone informed, **door hangers** will be distributed to homes in affected areas, along with yard signs to alert residents about the testing activities. The hangers will also feature an emergency contact number for those who have questions or concerns.

Charles Martin, who oversees water quality in Lexington, spoke with local residents at Veterans Park and described the odor as reminiscent of “burned sulfur” or “a wet book of matches.” It’s clear that this issue has been a long-standing concern, especially in locations like Cumberland Hill, where complaints surged last fall.

“I need to figure out why this is happening,” Martin expressed, underscoring the urgency to resolve this stinky situation. After hearing several concerns from residents in October and November 2023, Martin decided to consult a professional firm, Webster Environmental Associates from Louisville, to get expert advice on how to control and eliminate the odor.

“We ended up hiring them as a permanent long-term odor control consultant,” he added, indicating that the city is committed to addressing the issue more effectively than in the past. With the addition of this consulting team, Martin now has monitoring tools in place that help him assess how well different strategies are performing. “Last fall, I felt like I was flying blind because I had no data to evaluate anything,” he mentioned, clearly relieved about the new data-driven approach.

Of course, if you happen to be at home during the smoke testing and notice any smoke coming into your residence, Martin has some clear steps to follow. First, he suggests that you open your windows and doors to let the smoke out. After ensuring your space is clear, you can get in touch with the crews working in your area at the designated emergency number (888) 357-6653.

For those curious about when their neighborhood will be affected by the smoke testing, there’s a helpful resource available. Simply visit lexingtonky.gov/sewerupdates for the latest schedules and updates regarding the testing. Alternatively, you can also reach out to the Lexington Fire Department’s non-emergency number at 859-231-5600, should you have any questions.

The city anticipates that the smoke testing process will wrap up in early November. This should bring some relief to residents living in areas plagued by the foul smell, as the city works diligently to identify and resolve the underlying sewer issues.

In summary, the upcoming smoke testing in Lexington represents a serious effort by the city to clear the air and improve the living conditions for its residents. While the foul odors might have been tough to handle, the proactive steps being taken demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a healthy and pleasant community.

So, if you live in or around Meadowthorpe, keep an eye out for those door hangers and yard signs in the coming weeks. Together, we can look forward to a fresher, cleaner Lexington!