When it rains, stench soars near Thornton Reservoir

The Thornton Quarry has long been a scenic destination within Chicago’s south suburbs.

But this week, the usual sights have been joined by an all-too-usual smell.

The quarry, also known as the Thornton Reservoir, is nearly full after weeks of heavy rainfall — and emitting a foul odor.

“We’ve never seen it this full,” Alex Ferreira, owner of Blades and Fades barbershop at 100 S. Williams St. in Thornton since 2010, told the Chicago Sun-Times. “These rains are unheard of around here.”

The reservoir is part of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s Deep Tunnel flood-control system. It reached 94% capacity earlier this week after more than 8 inches of rain fell across the Chicago area over the last month. Officials said that was the fullest the reservoir has been since opening in 2015.

But Ferreira, 37, pointed out that the foul scent is not new. Clients often mention it, he said, comparing it to “roadkill.” Luckily, even on hot summer days when it becomes especially strong, it has not affected business.

“I guess we’ve just learned to kind of live with it,” he said as he finished a trim. “But it’s very unpleasant.”

Thornton Village Clerk Nikki Kitakis explained the quarry is simply part of everyday life for residents, many of whom come to her with complaints after heavy rain or when community events like youth baseball games are held outside.

Kitakis, 37, has lived in Thornton for most of her life and said she has never seen the reservoir this high.

“As it’s raining, it smells horrific.” Kitakis said from her desk at village hall.

When the gripes come in, she directs them to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

“We’re not responsible, and we don’t maintain the reservoir at all,” she said. “That’s all through MWRD.”

South suburban resident Christian Devine, 23, said he’s noticed the odor while driving through the area.

“The smell has been rancid and putrid sometimes,” Devine said.

Devine said the scent from the reservoir has not significantly affected his daily life, but he believes residents should be aware of what is happening in their community, calling for MWRD officials to be more vocal.

“I would love for them to keep us updated on what is going on and not leave anyone in the dark,” Devine said. “I would like to be informed on what measures are being taken to protect the residents of the community and what we need to be prepared for.”

The MWRD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Thornton is one of three reservoirs in the region’s Deep Tunnel system, designed to reduce flooding across Chicago and surrounding suburbs. That network of more than 100 miles of underground tunnels diverts and holds stormwater and sewage that would otherwise overflow from sewers during heavy rains.

Between them, the Thornton and McCook reservoirs held roughly 9.2 billion gallons of water Thursday afternoon after weeks of persistent rain. The third reservoir, Majewski, just north of O’Hare Airport, is much smaller and was listed as empty on Thursday afternoon, according to the MWRD.

Water stored in the Thornton Reservoir is pumped to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, where it is treated before being returned to local waterways.

Nearby residents and businesses say they hope the water filling the Thornton Reservoir continues to go down.

The forecast, however, calls for more rain.