Conway, Arkansas – Officials with Conway Corp say the Tucker Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating in full compliance with state regulations, even as some residents have reported unpleasant odors coming from the facility. City representatives emphasized that while the smell can be noticeable at times, the plant continues to meet all Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) standards.
Spokesperson Crystal Kemp explained that changes in weather and warmer temperatures can trigger increased algae growth, which affects water chemistry and raises the biochemical oxygen demand at the plant. “When these conditions take place, operators adjust treatment processes, and regulatory standards continue to be met,” Kemp said. She added that the odor is simply an unfortunate part of the wastewater treatment process and does not indicate a violation of environmental regulations.
The Tucker Creek facility relies on stabilization ponds for wastewater treatment, a method that predates modern systems like those used at Conway’s Tupelo Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is farther from residential areas. The Tucker Creek site originally began as a stabilization pond in 1967 and was upgraded to a wastewater treatment plant in 1993, at a time when West Conway had a much lower population density.
Since 1993, Conway has experienced rapid growth, especially over the past few years, and West Conway now has significantly more residents. Officials noted that the city’s expansion has placed more homes and businesses near the Tucker Creek facility, making the odors more noticeable than in the past. Conway’s population growth has made it one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation according to local data.
Despite some public concerns, Kemp clarified that the facility does not use sludge tanks, as some residents have alleged. The plant will eventually be decommissioned and converted into a storage-only site, though no specific date has been set for this transition. In the meantime, Conway Corp continues to operate the Tucker Creek plant under current regulations and with careful monitoring of treatment processes.
City officials reported receiving only one email complaint about odors from the plant, suggesting that concerns remain limited. Residents seeking more information on wastewater treatment in Conway are encouraged to visit the Conway Corp website, which provides details about the city’s treatment systems, ongoing compliance measures, and future infrastructure plans.
While odors may occasionally be noticeable due to natural processes at the plant, officials stressed that the Tucker Creek facility remains fully compliant and that the city is taking steps to eventually transition the site. Conway Corp reiterated its commitment to both environmental standards and public safety, emphasizing that all treatment processes are carefully monitored and adjusted as needed to ensure the facility meets regulatory requirements.
As Conway continues to grow, the city faces the challenge of balancing rapid development with the need for effective wastewater management. Officials say residents can be assured that the plant operates safely and responsibly while plans are developed for a long-term solution that will further reduce the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
