What smells on River Street in Wilkes-Barre?

(WBRE/WYOU) — What's that awful smell? That's the question many people who live and travel through one part of Wilkes-Barre have been asking in recent months.

The sewage odors have been noticeable, and at times, overwhelming near the Luzerne County Courthouse and several surrounding blocks.

"The stench, especially by Central Court has been so strong, sewage and very very nasty almost making people very sick," said Attorney Allyson Kacmarski.

Kacmarski says she and others who frequently work at the Luzerne County Courthouse just want to know where that odor is coming from.

The answer: A rehab project on what's known as the "East Side Interceptor."

The WVSA launched the project in July. They describe it as a critical restructuring of the line that was constructed in the late 1960's.

The line carries some 15,000,000 gallons of wastewater from 18 communities to the authority's treatment plant in Hanover Township.

Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo has been in touch with the WVSA.

"They're working as fast as they can and it's an upgrade, so we have to be patient and let them do the jobs, and they're getting it done as quickly as possible," Crocamo said.

In a statement, Andrew Reilly, CEO of Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority, said:

In July 2024, WVSA began the rehabilitation of the East Side Interceptor, a steel reinforced concrete pipe that transport 15 million gallons of wastewater from 18 municipalities directly to the WVSA treatment plant. The interceptor, which was constructed in the late 1960s, requires the rehabilitation of approximately 5,150 linear feet of pipe and associated manhole repair. The project is progressing on schedule and is expected to reach completion by April or May 2025.

Andrew Reilly, CEO at Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority

Reilly says that several steps have been taken to minimize the odor, including:

Applying industrial-strength odor neutralizer in sanitary manholes to counteract odor release.

Placing deodorizer satchel bags in stormwater catch basins to reduce odors at street level.

Covering open sanitary manholes and large junction chamber at the end of each workday to limit odor escape.

Enhancing cleaning of pump stations wet wells to minimize odor production.

Conducting air quality monitoring tests.

All welcome news for folks like Kacmarski.

"We would be hopeful that it would, goes away as quickly as possible. It's good to know we understand the reasons for the smell," Kacmarski stated.

The sewer line upgrade is expected to be completed by April or May of next year.