Biosolids Stench Dissipates From Glen Ellyn After Wastewater Plant Takes Action

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Glen Ellyn residents can finally breathe a sigh of relief after a local wastewater company has eliminated toxic emissions from its processing plant. Glenbard Wastewater Authority (GWA) ceased intake of grease, fat, and other food waste to conquer an overwhelming odor that consistently sickened residents and nearby school children throughout the summer.

A pair of "digester" tanks at the wastewater management plant had become "upset" by fermenting biosolids that emitted putrid odors into the air as their bacteria broke down. After the plant stopped taking in those biosolids last month, a third-party testing facility to make sure toxin levels had been successfully controlled. According to a post on the Village of Glen Ellyn website, "none of the organic compounds detected in the area exceeded the acceptable levels according to the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety Standards."

In late September, GWA added 50,000 pounds of sodium bicarbonate in addition to "150,000 gallons of healthy sludge" to the digesters to rout out the last of the biogas, Village of Glen Ellyn website reported. In an earlier press release, Glen Ellyn Village Manager Mark Franz reassured residents that the village would work with the Glenbard Wastewater Authority to "ensure this issue does not occur again."

>>Glenbard Wastewater Authority image via GoogleMaps, Streetview