How few is too few?

Squeak I tell you ...

I just read this story from the March 27 Daily News. It's about Seabrook (NH):

Funny in how many ways it relates to Newburyport: improved sewer sludge process at sewer plant (not the same as being proposed here, though), hydrogen sulfide ... neighbors complaining.

But its cost to nearby residents living along Route 286 and South Main Street — where Seabrook's wastewater treatment facility is located — is intangible, the neighbors say. It's brought horrible odors that stick to clothing, cause eyes to water, set off asthma episodes, and chase away buyers and summer renters due to the unforeseen problems getting the system to work right, they said.

Sewer treatment operator Phil Maltais and PMC BioTec President Don Rogers said the odor problem began after the December ice storm caused power outages that halted blowers, allowing hydrogen sulfide gas to build up in the vats.

I would be interested to know just how much gas was spewing from this place because NH's DEP said the plant required immediate attention. I assume it was NH's DEP ... our DEP wouldn't be messing around in Seabrook, would it?

This bit reminded me of the PI sewer system:

Rogers, Maltais and Sewer Superintendent Warner Knowles assured residents they've unclogged the diffusers and will do so again if necessary. They are also planning to install new diffusers that won't clog. All three men said they felt the smell would disappear once new diffusers were in, but residents wanted none of it Wednesday night.

I guess it's the same everywhere, except here I guess you have to have a massive neighborhood uprising in order to catch the attention of officials.