Residents say nasty stench lingers in Camanche, starting in January

Since January, some Camanche residents have noticed a “gross” stench in their air. They say it smells similar to dog poop or something dead. An online petition calling for action from city officials started on July 31. Now, it has more than 500 signatures.

“I hope it shows to all of our city leaders that we are not going to stand for this any longer,” said Melissa Crider, the creator of the petition.

Crider says she and other Camanche residents believe the smell is coming from the recently built regional wastewater reclamation facility (RWRF). The issue was addressed by Camanche leaders through a statement in February. In it, they said it is a responsibility of the City of Clinton.

A statement from Clinton on Feb. 2, 2026, said the odor could be traced back to two conditions at the RWRF.

“City staff and plant operators are closely monitoring conditions to minimize impacts. As the biological system continues to stabilize and gas‑handling systems (including the flare) come fully online, odors are expected to decrease significantly,” read the statement from Clinton. “Additional operational adjustments are being made to manage high‑strength industrial loads and reduce odor peaks during startup activities.”

Residents say they still notice the smell just over six months later. Now they are calling on the city to do more to keep the air and water clean.

“We deserve to have a safe environment to live in without poisoned air, poisoned water and they need to do something about it,” said Crider.

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