Becoming a better neighbor: reducing odors

New odor-control facility

New odor-control facility

Formerly, one of the most noticeable aspects of wastewater treatment at the Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant was its odor. The Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (WEP) undertook an $8 million project, beginning in late 1997, to reduce significantly the plant's odors.

WEP began with an "odor audit" to identify where the most smell was produced. The wastewater was then enclosed at the points identified as producing the most intensive odors.

Renovated screenings and grit building

Renovated screenings and grit building

Major improvements were made to the plant's headworks, the place where sanitary sewage enters the plant. A treatment building was constructed to house the system that controls odor-producing gases. It has a 40-ft stack with a treatment system that removes hydrogen sulfide gases, and it has a 50-ft stack that vents the treated air to the atmosphere.

During 1999, most of the following odor control steps were completed:

Enclosures were added for the doors and walls on the screening and grit buildings.
Fiberglass covers were placed on the channels in the screening and grit facilities.
Duct work was installed to transport air to the air treatment building.
Receiving ports used by haulers for septic waste disposal were improved.
The primary clarifier tanks were covered (2000).

Metro is now a much better neighbor and will be more compatible with the new developments taking place near Onondaga Lake.