Students and staff across Homestead have noticed a mysterious and, as some have described it, unbearable smell. The smell appears to be within the gym and auditorium areas. Although staff members are unsure of what the smell is, it is rumored to be sewer gases.

When the custodial staff was notified of the smell, they “immediately started to investigate the cause of this order,” according to Kyle Thompson, director of buildings and grounds. However, after not being able to identify the source of the smell, they reached out to a plumbing contractor for help. “We suspect it was a broken sewer line or vent line somewhere in a wall, so it is kind of like finding a needle in haystack,” Thompson said.

Because the smell mostly resonates around the pool, the Building and Grounds Department has narrowed the search down to a plumbing line in the pool. “We are preparing a plan for correction, and while planning we have a temporary solution in place to help avoid future odors,” Thompson said.

As the smell entered the music wing, Ms. Amelia Figg-Franzoi, drama teacher, stated her costume designers for the spring play had to wear masks to avoid the smell. Additionally, the physical education staff has noticed a smell for years, but this year, they say it is stronger than ever. Mrs. Susan Godfrey, phy ed teacher, claims that towards the end of the day she feels light-headed and has headaches from the odor.

Sewer gas, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “is a complex mixture of toxic and nontoxic gases produced and collected in sewage systems by the decomposition of organic household or industrial wastes, typical components of sewage. Sewer gases may include hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.” Exposure to sewer gas can lead to multiple health problems including hydrogen sulfide poisoning and asphyxiation. Methane and hydrogen sulfide are also highly flammable.

Although the smell has not been confirmed to be sewage gas, the Publications staff is investigating the problem thoroughly; stay tuned for later updates.