SCOUTING YESTERDAY | Stench crisis on Big Sioux pushed Sioux Falls toward sewage reform

This week in South Dakota history: May 30 - June 5

Chenoweth’s proposed sewage treatment plant design. Photo: Argus Leader

Sioux Falls city health officer Dr. A.E. Campbell said the city should continue dumping its sewage into the Big Sioux River 100 years ago this week — at least until an acceptable alternative was found. City officials and mayor McKinnon thought they may have found that solution, though, after touring a sewage treatment plant in Mason City, Iowa, according to the June 5, 1925, edition of the Argus Leader.

But everyone agreed something had to change after years of complaints from downstream residents was followed up by the threat of a lawsuit from Brandon citizens if immediate action wasn’t taken.

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