Why Does Downtown Sacramento Stink?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — If you've been on Seventh Street between J and K streets in Downtown Sacramento, it's hard to miss a pungent aroma wafting in the air.

The construction in the area is pretty obvious, but not as obvious as the smell of sewage.

A 3,000-foot sewer line replacement project started a year ago at the doorstep of the Golden 1 Center. It's caused odors, but it's recently gotten worse.

"For this week, the smell may be a little bit strong because we are replacing old pipe with new pipe and connecting them," said Rhea Serran with the city of Sacramento. "It's about another week. We apologize for the inconvenience but it's definitely necessary to finish the project."

Roberto Thompson works on the block. He says there are some days he thinks he's used to it. But not all the time.

"The draft is ugly right now with this wind, and the heat it makes it no better," he said.

E.J. Costello works at the 24 Hour Fitness and he says his clients have been good sports about the bad stink.

"They kind of feel bad for front desk staff working here, because they have to smell it all day," he said.

The city says it shouldn't get much worse, but they admit they can't control the wind, which helps push that scent around.