Residents of the Laan van de Eekharst and Kerspellaan in Emmen are completely done with the overflow pond nearby. Since the end of last week, the water has been spreading an enormous stench.
After a heavy rain shower on Friday, in which fifteen to twenty millimeters of water fell in a short time, the air in the area is unbearable, according to local residents. “If the wind is wrong, we have to keep the windows closed,” says local resident Marieke Schott. “In addition, the fish in the pond die.”
The pond is a so-called overflow pond. When a lot of rain falls in a short time and the sewage system cannot handle this, the abundant water is discharged into the pond. That’s exactly what happened late last week. The excess sewage water was discharged into the pond water in its entirety. Since that time there has been a dark blue, almost black glow over the water. Feces, tampons and sanitary towels float in it. And that’s not the first time.
“We have been bothered by this for years,” says Schott. “About two years ago, the municipality tried to solve the problem by digging out the pond. But this did not help, the stench only seems to have increased during heavy rain showers. In addition, there are also the two fountains. I hardly dare to walk past it. In strong wind you feel the drops on your skin. Drops of water from that dirty pond.”
Neighborhood residents meanwhile fear warmer temperatures, which will make the water smell even worse, and new heavy rain showers. This will mean that the sewage system in the area will again discharge into the pond. “If this continues, we will not be able to barbecue in the backyard this summer. It is time for the municipality to come up with a solution.”
The municipality of Emmen could not be reached for comment.