Update from the Mayor

March 3, 2025

RE: Smell in town

Greetings,

To provide an update on our ongoing efforts to pinpoint the smell in town and find resolutions to that smell, attached is a letter from KDHE.

A few things to note:

*Hydrogen sulfide and volatile organic compounds were periodically detected at the top of the landfill in the ambient air. There was an idle truck parked in the area during the time of the observation.

*No carbon monoxide was detected in the ambient air.

*No hydrogen sulfide or volatile organic compounds were detected at a point off-site and downwind, but slight odors were observed.

 After we complete the monitoring plan and KDHE gives their okay, we will provide written documentation with those plans and recommendations.

Again, I know that it may appear like we are moving at a snail’s pace, but we are actively doing what we know we can do to locate the root cause and find viable solutions. If possible, we ask that you continue to keep a record of when you notice the smell (time of day, temperature, wind direction, etc.) as it might help us with the solution. Thank you for being understanding as we continue to work toward a solution. 

Sincerely, 

Ashley Qualls Groves

Mayor of the City of Galena