horrid smell after midnight (Chicago, Rockford: cul-de-sac, neighborhoods, construction)

[corriellen]

I live in the lincoln park / park west area. I moved here last September, since then, every time that I leave my window open at night, I am awoken about 3 a.m. with one of the most putrid smells that I have ever experienced. It smells like some ughh gas fumes or something. It is unimaginably strong. Is it sewage gas or a nearby factory? I just can't imagine sewage only getting backed up every night at 3 a.m. and then completely gone by daybreak. There is a definite schedule here. Besides this smell is one of a kind. Anybody know about this?

[Venom]

A meth lab near you?

[coldwine]

Actually, that doesn't seem too unlikely...

[Lookout Kid]

Funny you say that... My sister-in-law just had to hide in her basement with her family in the Rockford area because of a standoff at a Meth Lab four doors down. Scary stuff. I'd rather deal with crack heads any day over that crap.

This was a new-construction suburban cul-de-sac, by the way. Not in Rockford proper.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by corriellen

I live in the lincoln park / park west area. I moved here last September, since then, every time that I leave my window open at night, I am awoken about 3 a.m. with one of the most putrid smells that I have ever experienced. It smells like some ughh gas fumes or something. It is unimaginably strong. Is it sewage gas or a nearby factory? I just can't imagine sewage only getting backed up every night at 3 a.m. and then completely gone by daybreak. There is a definite schedule here. Besides this smell is one of a kind. Anybody know about this?

Coriellen, do you have a man hole below the window you are opening? My only thought is that the sewer system is kind of dormant at 3 a.m., and perhaps the lack of rushing water through it is making a smell waft up from a manhole into your window... I smell sewer gas in Chicago all of the time, but usually only near a manhole or catch basin. It's usually worst in high-rise neighborhoods like the Loop or along Lake Shore Drive, but the smell is usually only noticeable right on the street directly above the manhole. It's not something that typically travels very far.

[surlycue]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Coriellen, do you have a man hole below the window you are opening? My only thought is that the sewer system is kind of dormant at 3 a.m., and perhaps the lack of rushing water through it is making a smell waft up from a manhole into your window... I smell sewer gas in Chicago all of the time, but usually only near a manhole or catch basin. It's usually worst in high-rise neighborhoods like the Loop or along Lake Shore Drive, but the smell is usually only noticeable right on the street directly above the manhole. It's not something that typically travels very far.

Six Corners in WP always has the worst sewer smells, though Flash Taco might contribute to some of that.

[snoylekim]

Yes, sewage gas is unmistakeably horrible, and it doesn't travel far .. If you think that's what's going on, call 311 and report it .. The city will check it out Sewer Gasses are a health hazard... Is it 3 AM on weekends and 5 AM on early Sunday mornings ?? ..Maybe the mass exodus from the bars is reflected in increased methane-flatulence rolling up the street

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by surlycue

Six Corners in WP always has the worst sewer smells, though Flash Taco might contribute to some of that.

Oh my God, I know. Sooo yucky.

[corriellen]

My window leads to an enclosed like alley. I finally got a good view of the ground and there is no man hole anywhere in sight.

At first I wasn't sure how to report this. Thanks for the info! I will call 311 about this. It's certainly strong enough to be a health hazard. I'd hate for anyone's dog to have to suffer through this at night.

[Avengerfire]

Does this alley have back doors to restaurants or clubs?