John Allen

This community meeting, part of the 'MSD clAIRity Meeting' series focused on odor mitigation efforts. Key topics included an overview of MSD's services (wastewater treatment, stormwater/drainage, flood protection), statistical data on 891 odor reports received between January and September 2025, and explanations of odor sources such as hydrogen sulfide, catch basins, downspouts, and basement drains. The discussion detailed actions taken, including flushing and deodorizing sewer mains, adding water to the system, and partnerships for system flushing. Updates were provided on the two-year Short-Term Action Plan developed under a Second Amended Agreed Board Order with the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control Board. Completed Year 1 actions involved odor control management plans for the Durk Guthrie plant, technology completion at the southwestern pump station, studies for vapor/liquid phase treatment in the western outfall sewer shed, and the inspection/replacement of catch basins in neighborhoods like California, Shine, East Market, and Nulu. Year 2 forward plans include the multi-year biosolids project (completion by September 2028), installation of a hydrogen sulfide removal project at Morris Forum (completion by July 2026), rehabilitation of sedimentation basins at Morris Foreman, and ongoing studies for odor control in the collection system (Ohio River Force Bane study, Grand Avenue pump station chemical use study) and evaluation of options for the Starky pump station.

Louisville Water's Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2030 outlines a substantial investment of over $790 million. The plan prioritizes infrastructure renewal, growth-related improvements, and the integration of new technology and facilities. Key strategic initiatives include generational investments in plant and production assets, strengthening regional partnerships, implementing a comprehensive Main Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, conducting pipeline condition assessments, and a dedicated program for the removal of lead and copper service lines. The 2026 capital budget is projected at $196.2 million, targeting extensive upgrades across treatment, pumping, transmission, distribution, and technology.

The Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District's fiscal year 2026 budget reflects a commitment to providing quality wastewater, stormwater, and flood protection services. The capital budget allocates over $321 million to support 181 capital-improvement projects, with a focus on meeting federal and state environmental standards and upgrading critical infrastructure. The operating budget totals $221.5 million, funding day-to-day operations and administration. A reduced rate increase of 3.9 percent for Jefferson County residents was approved, adding $3.11 to the average monthly bill, while Oldham County residents will see an increase of $1.57, starting September 1, 2025. MSD continues to offer financial assistance programs for customers who need help paying their bills.

This Master Plan aims to provide site-specific, cost-effective odor controls to reduce emissions from major odor sources in the Derek R. Guthrie Service Area and meet a 20 dilution to threshold (D/T) detection threshold at critical receptors. Key focus areas include identifying specific odor sources, conducting liquid and vapor sampling, evaluating existing odor control systems, investigating potential solutions, determining design parameters, utilizing air dispersion modeling, and developing final selected odor control alternatives. The plan seeks to mitigate nuisance odors and improve community relations.

This 2022 Project Work Plan outlines strategic initiatives across three key areas: improving customer experience, sustaining partnerships, and driving revenue growth. Key objectives include building a Water Affordability Roadmap, promoting the Drops of Kindness Program, converting customers to monthly billing, reviewing recommendations from the Equity in Contracting & Procurement Task Force, administering New Billing Agreement requirements, maintaining collaboration on economic development, and evaluating opportunities to offer billing services to other entities.