NEBRASKA CITY – Residents described an odor associated with the Cargill plant at Nebraska City as horrific and infiltrating and say it’s ruining their quality of life, but Mayor Bryan Bequette says the protein processing company is partnering with the city for short-term and lasting solutions.

 

 

Shelli Stuhr, who had just finished chemotherapy the last time she appeared before the city council in 2021, returned Monday to bring attention to the smell that comes from the Cargill wastewater treatment lagoon.

Stuhr: “This smell is not just a tiny bit unpleasant. It’s a smell that keeps you hostage inside your own home. The smell will come into your home even with the windows and doors shut, even through dryer vents and will wake you up in the middle of the night and can cause headaches, nausea and for some people respiratory issues.”

Mayor Bryan Bequette said there was improvement after the uproar in 2021, when extensive cleaning operations during the Coronavirus Pandemic destroyed favorable bacteria that Cargill depended on to help treat wastewater. He said harsh chemicals were unexpectedly used more recently and aerobic bacteria was once again disrupted.

Stuhr said she has repeatedly called the plant, but has not heard back.

Stuhr: “I know you have to play nice to try and get them to do …, but we also have to have a firm hand and enough is enough from my aspect.”

 

About 30 people filled the council chambers calling on the city to set fines and use its nuisance ordinances to nudge Cargill toward a solution, but Mayor Bequette said Cargill is a partner with the city. He said the local plant management has done all it can with existing resources, and other decision makers are expected to visit this week.

Bequette said Monday’s meeting is helpful.

Bequette: “Being able to just pass on the level of frustration for them to understand this is just a waft of air that people are getting every other week, but they understand it’s a daily nuisance to some of the folks.”

Stuhr said she is trusting that Mayor Bequette’s partner-approach will be effective, but noted that people’s patience is being tested.

Stuhr: “What has shocked me now is that it is actually infiltrating into our home, as with some other people, with doors and windows shut.

The other day I figured out it was coming through the dryer vent, like my utility room smelled so bad. “

The mayor promised to report back at the June meeting regarding the odor problem.