‘It smells like manure’: Some Kyle neighbors say wastewater facility odors affecting quality of life

KYLE, Texas (KXAN) – Gabby Kleman, a nurse, moved to the Waterleaf neighborhood, a few miles east of Kyle’s downtown, in 2021. 

“When we first moved, we liked the area,” she said. “We've been in Kyle for about six years now. It was close proximity to everything.”

But they quickly learned they were in close proximity to something else – not by seeing it but by smelling it. 

“It was purely the scent,” Kleman said. “It smells like manure, but you know that it's not. And recently -- in the last three months or so -- it's gotten way worse.”

The Waterleaf neighborhood is positioned near the Kyle Wastewater Treatment Facility, with many homes in the development directly behind it. 

“It's impacted us significantly. I'm currently expecting our first child – being pregnant and outside and thinking about exposing a child to [the air] is terrifying,” Kleman said. “We've had to consider moving because we can't really be outside.”

Water Utilities Director Mike Murphy said they will get calls from neighbors complaining about the smell. He said it’s not constant for all but understands it’s a hindrance to many. 

“[It’s] intermittent,” Murphy said. “Especially with the hot weather that we're having right now. So it's a challenge.” 

He said there was a repair at the facility over the weekend, causing a temporary increase in odors emitting from the plant. 

Murphey said the City of Kyle is working on renovating the facility, which would include an expansion and addition of technology intended to mitigate the smells. 

“It's it's an older plant,” Murphey said. “The technology is a proven technology and should eliminate the odor.”

Those plans are in the permitting process with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Murphey said he hopes construction can start early next year. 

Kleman said she’s willing to wait until 2025 to see if things change. But she’s not holding her breath. 

“It would definitely be a big uproot for us. But not being able to enjoy our yard, garden and things like that really impacts us,” she said