Grosse Pointe Farms residents living in the vicinity of a sewage pumping station are airing grievances about a persistent foul odor, prompting concerns and complaints that have escalated to municipal and sanitation district officials. As per CBS News Detroit, locals describe the scent as akin to sewage, with one resident, Lisa Lee, expressing her disappointment in the quality of life. "It's a foul stench, it smells like sewer, and I am so disappointed that I have to live like this," Lee told CBS News Detroit.
The Southeast Macomb Sanitary District monitors the station situated on Chalfonte Road near Hillcrest Avenue, and the issue has been pronounced enough for some residents to contemplate relocating. In sentiments echoed by the community, WXYZ reported resident Mark Montante's frustration saying, "It's very frustrating for me. I put a lot of money into this home, and for me to deal with that, it's totally unfair," suggesting the distress caused by the malodorous conditions. Montante has even drafted letters to city, county, and state agencies seeking remediation.
While the odor issue is particularly severe in warmer conditions, city officials have indicated that limited movement of sewage during dry weather spells could be contributing to the pervasive smell. The city, according to City Manager Shane Reeside's statement obtained by CBS News Detroit, is requesting an action plan from the Southeast Macomb Sewer District to address the problem. Moreover, the city has been consistently receiving complaints about the smell, and recent reports have indicated that the issue might be intensifying.
Responding to the situation, Kip Walby, SEMSD Director of Operations, provided a statement to WXYZ mentioning their efforts to curb the smell. "The SEMSD Kerby Pump Station has a carbon odor control system that is in continuous use to help mitigate odors at the station. Staff at the SEMSD performs inspections and maintenance daily to ensure that the system is operating as designed. We are always evaluating new technology in order to improve the Kerby Pump Station," Walby said. Meanwhile, across the street from the facility, resident David Pitts, having lodged numerous complaints over the years, has grown weary of the smell infiltrating his home. "You can smell it now, and this is just a light smell," Pitts told WXYZ.
