Corporation decides to install odour control system as residents raise a stink over decanting station at Khajamalai in Tiruchi

Tiruchi Corporation has planned to install an odour control system to curb foul odour emanating from the main decanting station at Khajamalai near Anna Stadium in the city.

Following frequent complaints from residents about foul smell from the decanting station, the civic body has decided to install a carbon-filtration system to neutralise the odour from the sewage collection wells.

According to the officials, the system would trap gaseous pollutants such as hydrogen sulphide, in activated carbon filters, releasing clean air. It removes impurities and contaminants such as chlorine, organic compounds, and odour from wastewater by passing them through activated carbon.

“Steps are being taken to install the system at the facility soon and the initiative will be extended to other decanting stations in phases. Meanwhile, the workers have been asked to increase the quantity of odour-removing solution to curb the smell,” said a senior Corporation official.

At present, a dosing plant is used to contain odour in the decanting station. The plant, using a drip irrigation system, injects cultured microorganisms into the sewage well, removing hydrogen sulphide that causes a foul smell. Around three litres of the bio-stimulants are dissolved in 100 litres of water and drip-fed through pipes lining the collection well to help neutralise the foul odour.

The decanting station can handle around 25 million litres a day (MLD) and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. About 25 to 30 truckloads are emptied at the facility per day and ₹100 is collected as user fee per trip. There were around 30 private desludging operators in the city engaged in emptying septic tanks of residential and commercial properties at the decanting stations at Khajamalai, Pookollai, Vayalur Road, and Srirangam.

Since a few desluding operators were found dumping faecal waste in vacant spaces, GPS tracking devices have been installed in 27 registered vehicles to monitor them. Notices have been provided for the remaining operators and the Regional Transport officials have been requested to cancel the licence of those vehicles, the official added.