Residents in Oakmont and Harmar Township report pungent smell

Residents of Oakmont and Harmar Township, Pennsylvania, have been experiencing a persistent and unpleasant odor, primarily attributed to the nearby Allegheny Valley Joint Sewage Authority treatment facility. This issue has raised health concerns among locals, with some residents reporting disturbances in their daily lives, including sleepless nights due to the smell. The odor has been particularly strong in recent weeks, prompting complaints and frustration among the community. Brandon Hawk, a resident of Harmar Township, noted that the smell can be unbearable, affecting his ability to enjoy outdoor spaces and requiring him to use air fresheners indoors. The situation has become so distressing that he is considering relocating if conditions do not improve. Other residents, like Robert Yohman, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the sewage and water rate increases that accompanied the facility's expansion, which they feel should have alleviated the odor problem rather than exacerbating it. The sewage treatment plant is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar improvement project aimed at reducing the unpleasant smell by enhancing the breakdown of wastewater solids. However, the project is significantly behind schedule, with completion expected by next summer, which has left residents feeling frustrated and neglected. As the community grapples with this ongoing issue, the lingering odor continues to impact their quality of life, leading to calls for accountability and effective solutions from local authorities. Residents hope that the improvements will ultimately lead to a more pleasant living environment in the future.