North Platte, NE – The City of North Platte has received community reports regarding an unpleasant odor experienced earlier this week. Mayor Brandon Kelliher and City officials responded promptly to investigate and are offering an update to keep residents informed.
The source of the odor was traced primarily to the City’s new industrial sewer plant, which remains under active construction for approximately 18 more months. While a temporary odor control system has been in place and has worked effectively for the past two months, a combination of construction activity, weather conditions, and natural system processes contributed to this temporary event.
According to Mayor Kelliher:
“The odor was the result of necessary pump installation work at the plant. During this phase, sewer water was temporarily diverted into uncovered static lagoons for approximately 36 hours, rather than into the covered, odor-controlled system.”
This condition was compounded by heavy rainfall over the last two weeks, which diluted odor-controlling chemicals in the open lagoons, and eastern winds that carried the odor toward town.
In addition to construction-related factors, the City’s municipal sewer lagoons are currently experiencing one of their twice-annual biological “turnovers”—a natural process during which layers of water mix and release gases that can generate noticeable odors for 36 to 48 hours. This turnover is a routine and unavoidable part of the lagoon’s natural treatment cycle.
As soon as the odor was reported to City Hall, the City’s Odor Detection Team was dispatched. Their investigation confirmed the odor was coming from the industrial facility and was being carried westward due to current wind patterns.”
Mayor Kelliher emphasized that while occasional odor may occur as construction and seasonal lagoon activity progress, these incidents are temporary and not expected to be regular.
“We understand this caused some inconvenience for residents, and we’re committed to maintaining open communication and minimizing impacts during this important infrastructure project,” Kelliher said.
The City thanks the public for its patience and understanding as work continues on the facility, which is a critical long-term investment in North Platte’s wastewater and industrial services.
Residents with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Mayor’s Office at City Hall, 308-535-6724
