ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. \u2014 For decades, the odor from the Atlantic Beach wastewater treatment plant would roll into nearby neighborhoods, sometimes daily. Action News Jax Nicholas Brooks returned to the area recently to ask residents if they\u2019ve noticed a difference since his last visit, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt smells a lot better. A lot cleaner,\u201d said Resident Kianna DeLoach, who has lived with the smell for over two decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got immune to it,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Jeremy Nix, another neighbor, agreed that the change is significant.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t noticed it at all. It\u2019s been nonexistent from where we are,\u201d Nix said. \u201cI say it\u2019s a huge relief, because it definitely affects quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoor areas,\u201d Nix said.<\/p>\n
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <\/b><\/a><\/p>\n The City of Atlantic Beach attributes the improvement to recent upgrades at the facility. According to city officials, contractors have begun upgrading the influent screens \u2014 a crucial component in filtering out large debris early in the wastewater process.<\/p>\n On September 26, the city also began a partial start-up of the new BioAir odor control system, which uses odor-neutralizing media to mitigate unpleasant smells. <\/p>\n In addition, a new fence is being constructed to help contain odors from the headworks and drying beds.<\/p>\n While the issue isn\u2019t entirely resolved, residents said the difference is noticeable and long overdue.<\/p>\n [DOWNLOAD: <\/b>Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks<\/b><\/a>]<\/b><\/p>\n