Foul Odor Possible As Lansdale Launches New Eco-Friendly Sewage Treatment

LANSDALE, PA — The borough of Lansdale's Wastewater Treatment Plant is rolling out a special new process that they say will help limit damage to the local environment, but which could cause some smelly odors over the next few months.

The facility will start using a special ultraviolet disinfection technique this fall that will eliminate the need for chlorine treatments, which cause harmful byproducts.

"The advanced disinfection technology that we are implementing uses electricity to achieve disinfection rather than harmful chemicals," plant Superintendent Gregory Rapp said in a statement. "As we move forward, we will continue to explore and expand our green energy opportunities and advancements in wastewater treatment technology to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our facility’s overall carbon footprint."

The transition will involve switching sewage processing tanks twice between now and the fall, which could cause unpleasant odors that could be exacerbated by heat during the height of summer, officials said.

"Please know that WWTP staff and construction crews are taking the appropriate steps to keep odors at a minimum so that we can all enjoy being outside this time of year while we complete essential work that will improve the function of the plant for the community now and into the future," Rapp added.

Officials said they would work to address any instances of foul odors as swiftly as possible, and asked for patience during the work project.