No Public Health Threat Found Following Unidentified Discharge in Wastewater System

The source of an odor stretching from Smithfield to Four Oaks remains a mystery. Even with help from the state’s Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team, Johnston County Public Utilities has been unable to identify what entered the County’s sewer system. 

But here’s the reassuring news: The response team conducted air sampling Thursday afternoon at the County’s sewage-treatment plant and found no threat to public health. The pH of sewage flowing to the County’s treatment plant has returned to normal, according to testing, and that suggests the unknown discharge into the sewer system has ended. 

But be aware: The odor may persist for a few days as the flow and sludge move through the treatment plant itself. 

Public Utilities would like to thank the Smithfield Fire Department, Johnston County Emergency Services and N.C. Emergency Management for their help in ensuring the safety of the public and Public Utilities staff.