Ewww, that smell: Nasty stench closes schools in Newport

“Aeration is a necessary part of the treatment process, as it helps stimulate microorganisms to break down waste,” the post said. “When the aeration equipment is turned off, waste becomes septic, leading to unpleasant odors.”

The system is currently operating part time, with air being reintroduced in the treatment process.

“We are continuing to improve operations and aim to run the aeration equipment full-time soon,” the post says. “Since aeration is a biological process that helps promote the growth of specific microorganisms, it will take some time for the system to fully stabilize and return to normal.

“As this happens, we expect the odors to gradually subside.”

The horrific smell impacted the town’s middle and high schools, with school officials confirming reports of “several students and staff experiencing nausea and headaches.”

The middle and high schools were closed on Thursday, allowing staff to perform a “full assessment and ensure the building is completely safe for our staff and students.”

School officials said personnel with the Newport Fire Department checked air quality in the middle school, high school, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas.

“Their equipment tested for any presence of explosive gasses, shifts in oxygen levels, CO₂, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S),” Newport Superintendent of Schools Donna Magoon wrote in a social media post. “I am pleased to report that no concerning levels of these substances were detected.”

Magoon said she also contacted the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) about the noxious odor.

“While the odor can be strong and potentially cause mild discomfort, such as headaches and nausea, NH DES has confirmed that it is not harmful,” Magoon wrote. “Thankfully, the smell around the school has dissipated, with only faint traces in a few areas.”

Classes resumed Friday at the town’s middle school, high school, and CTE.

Town officials said they hope to secure spare replacement parts to avoid shutdowns and that the “existing equipment is obsolete making it harder to find replacement parts.”

“Renting and installing back-up equipment will also take time but it is anticipated that current operations will continue to run while back-up equipment is secured and installed,” officials said in a statement.

“Public works appreciates the community’s patience while we work through these operational issues and it is anticipated that odors will subside in the near future.”