TEA, S.D. (KELO.com) — Something stinks in Tea.
According to the City of Tea, it is their sewer lagoons.
They say the higher than normal temperatures and high humidity is causing the problem.
The city says they’re working on long-term solutions.
The City of Tea posted the following on their Facebook page:
The City has received calls and emails asking about the odor coming from the wastewater stabilization ponds. Unfortunately, Mother Nature can play a big role in how a lagoon system operates, and we wish there was a simple answer. The recent change in temperatures along with higher than normal humidity is not a good treatment formula. The system is reaching its capacity, but the City has completed a feasibility study to determine the best option for treating our wastewater from both a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. We have signed a Joint Powers Agreement for Regional Wastewater Services with the City of Sioux Falls. The project will be completed within the next couple of years at an estimated cost of $10 million. The other option was to build a new wastewater treatment facility at a cost of over $30 million. To keep up with demand, the City has made improvements over the years to increase the capacity and extend the life of the current system. Last year, we added additional aeration to help reduce odors, but Mother Nature has worked against us this spring. We ask you to please be patient as we move forward with regionalization and we will continue to explore ideas and short-term fixes until we are connected to the regional system.
