News Summary
Residents of the Windsor Woods community in Virginia Beach are voicing their frustrations over a persistent foul odor from Thalia Creek. Following a recent meeting with city officials, many feel their health concerns regarding the smell have not been adequately addressed. Delegate Michael Feggans is collaborating with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to investigate the issue further, as residents report health symptoms linked to the odor. Community members continue to seek transparency and urgent solutions to this ongoing problem.
Virginia Beach – Residents of the Windsor Woods community have expressed their deepening frustration over a persistent and foul odor emanating from Thalia Creek, a body of water that runs behind their homes. This issue has plagued the neighborhood for several years, prompting community members to seek answers and solutions from local officials, especially after a recent meeting that left them feeling unsatisfied.
City officials convened a meeting on Friday evening where residents voiced their concerns regarding the noxious smell. While preliminary reports indicate that the odor is a product of natural resources within the creek, residents remain skeptical that city officials will adequately address their concerns. Recent test results from the city revealed high levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), suggesting that common natural and household materials may be entering the stormwater system and affecting the creek.
In a move to investigate the issue more thoroughly, Virginia State Delegate Michael Feggans announced he is launching an inquiry in collaboration with Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Delegate Feggans plans to meet with further residents next week to continue discussions about the troubling situation.
The meeting with city officials was particularly disheartening for residents like Jesse and Sarah Gray, who felt that the lengthy two-hour conversation yielded little actionable feedback. They expressed disappointment in the city’s response to the ongoing issue, noting perceived dismissiveness from officials regarding their health concerns. Many residents have reported suffering symptoms such as severe headaches and difficulty breathing, which further compounds their frustration with the city’s responses.
Regarding the cause of the issue, prior dredging projects conducted in 2017 have come under scrutiny. Residents speculate that these interventions may have contributed to the current challenges with odor emanating from the creek. Questions have arisen about why certain measures, like filling the pond, are not permissible for residents after the city removed dirt without proper authorization. City officials clarified that homeowners cannot take independent action regarding creek management.
The concerns raised by residents are compounded by the assertion from some city officials that the odor is not the result of mechanical or chemical sources but rather natural processes that occur in local waterways, particularly noticeable during low tides. Irina Calos from the DEQ explained that the strong odors frequently arise during seasonal water turnover processes that typically occur in spring and fall.
The investigation into the odor, now officially open, is being carefully tracked through the DEQ’s Pollution Response Program, which includes ongoing sampling of the creek water. Despite assurances from the city that they will keep the community informed about subsequent steps, residents remain on edge. Many are worried that the odor could infiltrate their homes and are struggling with its intensity.
As the situation develops, the Windsor Woods community continues to demand transparency and accountability from city officials. They are eager for a resolution that addresses both the malodorous conditions and the health impacts they believe are associated with them. With more discussions scheduled for the near future and a formal investigation underway, residents are hopeful for significant action that will resolve this ongoing issue.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Unbearable to Be Outside
- Wikipedia: Thalia Creek
- 13 News Now: Virginia Beach Leaders Meet Residents
- Google Search: Virginia Beach Thalia Creek odor
- Pilot Online: Stench Near Mount Trashmore
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Beach
- 13 News Now: City Officials Say Creek’s Smell Is Biological
- Google News: Virginia Beach creek odor
- MSN: Foul Stench in Virginia Beach Neighborhood
- Google Scholar: Thalia Creek odor
- 13 News Now: Dispute Continues Over Thalia Creek Odor
- Google Search: Virginia Beach Thalia Creek investigation
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
