Hydrogen Sulfide Concerns in Heber Valley: State Toxicologist Investigates and Encourages Community Participation

For years, residents living near the Heber Valley Special Service District have complained about the unpleasant smell coming from the wastewater treatment ponds. They claim that it has negatively impacted their health and overall quality of life. In response to these concerns, state toxicologist Alejandra Maldonado conducted a listening session to hear from residents about the issue.

Maldonado’s team is currently conducting a risk assessment for hydrogen sulfide, a toxin that can cause symptoms like headaches and fatigue and is emitted from sources like human waste. During a recent update in Midway, Maldonado announced that hydrogen sulfide monitors have been deployed to collect data throughout July and August. She expressed a desire to add a third monitor in the Fox Den neighborhood and encouraged residents willing to host a monitor to fill out a form on the project website.

At a public meeting earlier this year, Maldonada clarified that her team’s role is to provide expertise on environmental hazards, with decisions on acting on recommendations falling to the HVSSD and the Wasatch County Health Department. In response to concerns about potential impacts on water quality, the Utah Division of Water Quality has inspected the HVSSD and found that the treatment is in compliance and groundwater in the area is “pristine.” The division also acknowledged that odors in wastewater treatment are common.

Residents are encouraged to continue asking questions as data collection progresses, and more information on the HVSSD risk assessment can be found on the project website.