DNR warns Moberly about odor complaints for second time
MOBERLY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has warned the City of Moberly a second time about an odor coming from a wastewater-holding basin located just off Rollins Street near Highway 63.
The DNR received several calls last week about the continued smell coming from the sewer lagoon and sent the city a second notice about the problem.
“We also have noticed the odors were strong and we did do another investigation in response to citizen concerns and we did find odors above the standard again,” said Steve Boone, the environmental program manager for the DNR's Northeast Regional Office.
The city received its first odor violation notice on Nov. 15. The DNR gave Moberly until last Friday to submit a plan to reduce the smell. However, according to Boone, the department did not receive the plan until Wednesday.
“There was a mix-up we did not actually receive the plan until yesterday whenever we asked it again,” Boone said.
According to the Missouri Air Conservation Commission Odor Regulation, the odor control plan must contain eight different elements including a list of all the sources of the odor and how the odor can be controlled, a ranking of feasible odor control options and an implementation schedule.
“The plan that they have submitted is fairly detailed. It has a lot of different parts to it. The city is definitely taking action, they have spent a lot of money to try to address this,” Boone said.
The DNR is reviewing Moberly’s plan. Once the plan is evaluated a new deadline will be set for the city to take action. That deadline will be determined by several factors such as what is causing the odors. If it is not approved then the DNR must provide the city with a written explanation of the plan’s deficiencies.
The second odor violation will not have an impact on the plan that Moberly submitted, but the city could see penalties from the state if more violations are found.
“It doesn't necessarily change the plan, if the plan is a good one for example, then we would not expect them to change the plan but it does change the department's approach as far enforcement,” Boone explained. “If there continues to be violation then it does get at some point in the process it does get referred to the Jefferson City [office] for enforcement.”
The City of Moberly did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
