The Apex Town Council is set to receive a formal update on the persistent odor concerns affecting residents near New Hill at its next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. Town Manager Randy Vosburg will brief council members on the latest findings and the collaborative work being done with neighboring Cary.
Mayor’s call for community input
Mayor Jacques Gilbert has been vocal about the issue, posting on his Facebook page and encouraging residents to comment with a poop emoji if they have noticed the smell and want it addressed. “It smells like a hog farm and I’ve heard it described as a poopy diaper smell from some residents,” Gilbert said, adding that many describe the odor as “unbearable” and in need of a solution.
Possible sources under investigation
Gilbert suspects the odor may be emanating from the Western Wake Regional Reclamation Facility (WWRWRF) in Cary. He noted that a complaint filed in March 2025 referenced similar concerns. While the South Wake Landfill has been linked to past odor events in Apex and Holly Springs, Gilbert said the landfill is not currently believed to be the source of the latest complaints.
Cary’s response and mitigation measures
A spokesperson for the Town of Cary provided WRAL with a list of odor‑control measures shared by Utilities Director Jamie Revels when the issue first surfaced on Oct. 20. The measures include:
- Community monitoring: No odor complaints have been received at the reclamation facility, and staff regularly drive through nearby neighborhoods to check conditions.
- Seasonal weather considerations: Thermal inversions during temperature shifts can trap low‑level odors, often making them more noticeable in the evening. These conditions typically improve as fall weather replaces summer heat.
- Construction activity: Ongoing asphalt paving along Old US‑1 adds context but is not identified as a source.
- Dryer facility upgrades: Odor‑control systems have been reloaded and recharged, and current monitoring indicates they are operating effectively.
- Additional biofilter: A salvaged biofilter from a decommissioned pump station was installed, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars and providing a redundant layer of treatment.
- Headworks biofilter rebuild: A portion of the north headworks biofilter is being rebuilt, while existing two‑stage odor‑control systems (biofilter plus carbon polishing) continue to function well.
The Cary spokesperson emphasized the town’s commitment to being a good neighbor, stating, “We will continue to monitor the facility and surrounding community, maintain robust odor‑control systems, and make improvements as warranted.”
Collaboration between Apex and Cary
Mayor Gilbert confirmed that Town Manager Vosburg is working closely with Cary Town Manager Russ Overton to investigate the source and determine any necessary actions. Both towns are sharing data, monitoring results, and mitigation strategies to address the community’s concerns promptly and responsibly.
What residents can expect
At the Nov. 10 council meeting, Apex officials will present the latest monitoring data, discuss the collaborative efforts with Cary, and outline any next steps. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting or submit comments to the town’s website ahead of time.
The town’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to preserving the quality of life for families in Apex while respecting the broader regional partnership with Cary.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
