Residents say foul odor returns to Thalia Creek as Virginia Beach project faces delays

Residents living along Thalia Creek say a longstanding foul odor has returned, even as city officials and a state lawmaker work to resolve the issue.

Neighbors on Water Oak Road have complained about the smell for years, prompting involvement from Del. Michael Feggans, who has been working with city leaders to test the water and identify solutions.

“We’ve been lucky through the winter to not have any type of smell going on, but now, as of yesterday, it’s back,” said Sarah Gray, a resident who says she has dealt with the odor for four years.

Feggans previously proposed installing aerators in the creek to improve water quality and reduce the smell. However, residents say communication about the project’s progress has been limited.

“It definitely took some persistence to really get in touch with them,” Gray said. “I did offer my assistance in getting letters signed by the four neighbors that it would affect down at the end of the creek where they’re supposedly going to install the aerator.”

Speaking Wednesday at an event alongside Gov. Abigail Spanberger at Norfolk State University, Feggans said the project is taking longer than expected.

“We had a really great meeting with the city, city management, and their public works area,” Feggans said. “One of the things that we learned is that it’s going to take a little bit longer than we thought.”

Feggans said legal issues involving easements and property ownership have delayed the plan, but added that the city is working with his office to resolve those concerns.

“We’re going to continue to advocate and hopefully finalize a solution,” he said. “I’m glad that the city has been out there doing their portion, and we’re going to come up and finish up on our side.”

Meanwhile, frustration among residents is growing. Gray said neighbors are exploring legal options if the project does not move forward.

“It’s exhausting at this point,” she said. “We have spoken with attorneys to just kind of see what our rights are, see what our next options will be if things don’t kind of go the way they should.”

The City of Virginia Beach said work in the area is expected to begin in May, though it will depend on weather conditions, and is anticipated to last about a week.

In a statement, a city spokesperson said officials will “continue to work with the community to find solutions that address both the immediate needs of the residents and the long-term goals for the area.”