SALT LAKE CITY – In the Poplar Grove neighborhood of Salt Lake City, residents are expressing significant concerns over the installation of a new sewage odor control system, known as a BioTower, slated for an empty lot at approximately 1000 W. Pierpont Avenue. Local homeowners have voiced their dissatisfaction, citing the proximity of the system to their residences and a perceived lack of adequate notification regarding the project. Salt Lake City officials, however, assert that the location was strategically chosen for its effectiveness in addressing persistent odor issues in the area. The BioTower, which utilizes a biological process to treat sewage gases, is designed to mitigate the noxious odors that have long plagued the neighborhood. Jason Brown, the deputy director for Salt Lake Public Utilities, explained that the system would be positioned near the convergence of three major sewer trunk lines. This strategic placement aims to tackle the problem of hydrogen sulfide and other pollutants that often escape from vented sewer lids, leading to complaints from residents about a smell reminiscent of rotten eggs. "We chose the location because that’s the best place to treat the air before it goes throughout the whole west side," Brown remarked, emphasizing the necessity of the BioTower to improve air quality in the region. The BioTower operates through a process that involves crushed seashells, which serve as a substrate for bacteria to grow. These bacteria consume the harmful hydrogen sulfide, effectively cleaning the air emitted from the sewage system. Brown noted that the emissions from the BioTower would primarily consist of carbon dioxide and water vapor, with a minimal amount of remaining odor—estimated to be reduced by 95 to 99 percent through the treatment process. Despite these assurances, many local residents, including Alex Ward, a vocal opponent of the project, remain apprehensive. "We’re fighting for our neighborhood. These are our assets!" he declared, underscoring the strong emotional ties residents have to their community. Rachel Laxner, another resident, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the decision to install the system in such a close proximity to homes. "Why put this one in a residential area? Why is this in our front yard? Can they not find any other location?" she asked, highlighting the community’s frustration. In April, city officials presented the BioTower plan to the Poplar Grove Community Council and distributed notifications to residents. Brown clarified that the project aims to significantly reduce odors by incorporating a vacuum system that would pull air from manholes into the BioTower for treatment. Once completed, the BioTower will be enclosed with fencing and landscaped to blend in with the neighborhood. While the construction is set to begin, with prep work scheduled for January 12 and actual building anticipated in June or July, residents are still left seeking clarity and reassurance. Laxner articulated the need for more information: "We need more answers. We would like our voices heard," emphasizing the community’s desire for a transparent dialogue with city officials. In response to these ongoing concerns, city officials have planned a public meeting for January 5 at 4 p.m., allowing residents an opportunity to voice their questions and express their worries. This meeting will take place at the construction site on Pierpont Avenue, providing a platform for further discussion about the BioTower project. As the city moves forward with the BioTower installation, the tension between the need for effective sewage management and the residents’ concerns about potential impacts on their quality of life remains a critical issue. The outcome of the public meeting and subsequent community engagement efforts will be vital in determining the future relationship between the city and the Poplar Grove residents. In conclusion, while Salt Lake City officials maintain that the BioTower is a necessary step toward improving air quality and reducing odors in the area, residents are left grappling with the implications of having such a system so close to their homes. The dialogue between city officials and the Poplar Grove community will be essential in addressing the concerns of those who feel their voices have not yet been adequately heard in this significant development.