Shanghai updates facilities to reduce sewage stink

The facilities at Asia's largest sewage plant in Heqing Town in Pudong New Area will be upgraded this year in a desperate attempt to cut down on the stench while processing sewage.

The 2-square-kilometer plant Bailonggang handles about one third of the city's sewage — roughly about 2.8 million tons per day, according to a report by Shanghai Television.

A workshop in the plant which dishes out more than 1,500 tons of sludge every day was reported to be one of the major sources behind the unpleasant smell.

The reporter said the stench outside the workshop was pretty strong even as a sign on the wall outside highlighted the safety guidelines of some of the toxic gases produced inside, such as hydrogen sulfide.

The plant owner Li Zhen told the reporter that the concentration of these gases were never observed but admitted the smell always existed.

"It may have some connection with other factors like wind, air pressure and weather," Li said.

Another reason for the smell was a huge pool, whose size was nearly equal to 11 soccer fields.

As the sewage is treated here, it lets out a strong stench as well.

Plant officials said they were considering covering up the pool with lids and collect the stinking gas by pipes.

Officials said they plan to launch a project this year to transform the plant, upgrade the facilities and methods they use and cut down on the pollution.