Kettering smell was probably sewage sludge or manure, says council

The strong smell across Kettering was most likely caused by muck spreading, Kettering Council says.

An unpleasant odour had been noticed across the Kettering area over the last few days and people had been debating on social media about what the cause could be.

The Environmental Protection Team at Kettering Council said it was the right time of year for muck spreading and they often receive complaints about agricultural odours around the borough.

A spokesman said: "Generally, the most common source of odour complaint relates to the spreading of bio-solids (sewage sludge), solid animal manures (such as chicken or cattle manure) and semi-liquid slurries.

Kettering Council said it is aware that some residents are concerned about the use of sewage sludge.

Sewage sludge is semi-solid material left over from the sewage treatment process.

It is readily available, sustainable and contains nutrients and trace elements that are essential for plants and animals.

It is lawful to spread this on farmland and it is considered a good use for disposal of the waste but also because it reduces the need for chemical fertilisers.

Kettering Council said: "These materials are used to fertilise the land at seasonal times throughout the year."

The spreading of these waste materials over farm land is lawful and standard agricultural practice.

Winds can then carry the strong smells long distances across the area.

Kettering Council said: "Although the odour can be strong and unpleasant, it poses no risk to human health.

"As Kettering is surrounded by working farmland, such odour must be expected from time to time.

"It is not always possible to advise on the expected duration or anticipated intensity of odours, as this can be dependent upon weather conditions. Hot, dry, still weather will intensify the odour and prevent it dispersing as quickly as on a colder, wet or windy day."

The council does not investigate the smells unless it is persistent over a significant period of time.

Farmers are encouraged to refer to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water, Air and Soil to minimise the odour when spreading.

If a long-term smell was investigated by the council, action would only be taken if a farmer was not following this code of practice.

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