Council hears update on Jones Island odor; staff say MMSD shared additional data

City staff told the council they continue to investigate persistent odor complaints around Jones Island and that the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) met on site and recently shared historical data that had not previously been provided to the city. Staff said they anticipate one more round of test results, expected in January, after which they hope to quickly implement a remedy.

At the meeting, a council member expressed frustration with MMSD’s handling of the problem and criticized the agency for pushing remediation costs to the city and for what the speaker called an inadequate response. That council member said, “I hope pretty quickly is yesterday,” and later urged MMSD leaders to experience the odor themselves: “...pump that smell into their house and see how they like it.”

City staff said they are prioritizing the issue, are working with their wastewater staff who met with MMSD, and will share results with the council when available. Staff emphasized they do not want the city to accept responsibility for problems they believe originate in the regional system and intend to discuss next steps with MMSD after receiving the next round of testing.