By Sara Quam
Once again, the city of Luverne was plagued with a mysterious foul odor, apparently generated by the wastewater treatment plant.
Friday, Dec. 22, marked the third such occurrence this year. City Administrator Matt Hylen updated the council at its Tuesday night meeting.
In June, the second of two incidents less than two months apart happened. The same odor was in the air, but no culprit was found.
In the previous cases, it was determined that someone dumped an antibacterial substance into the wastewater system. That substance killed organic matter and bacteria that do some of the wastewater cleaning.
An antibacterial substance isn’t the likely cause of Friday’s problems because tests showed organisms weren't killed.
As in the last two instances, the city is working with engineers, Minnegasco and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to determine a more specific cause to this problem. At the time of the odor discovery, Gold'n Plump sent its wastewater expert to help complete initial tests.
When there is a problem in the wastewater system, it is usually found well after the source can be detected because by the time wastewater reaches the treatment plant, it has mixed with other lines in the city.
All the water going to the Rock River is still in compliance with state guidelines, and drinking water isn't affected by the wastewater system.