The Reason Gonic, NH Used to Stink (and Why It Smells Better Now)

As you can see from this Google Earth map of my hometown of Gonic, NH, there are two sources of high potential eye-watering stenches in very close proximity. This used to be the case, but is much better now and believe it or not, the reason for it is earth friendly.

For the past eight years or so, nearly all the odor from The Turnkey Landfill has been eliminated once they started pumping the methane gas through a 13 mile underground pipeline to UNH. The University uses this 'EcoLine' as it's source for generating over 80% of it's power needs.

Back in the 80's, the sewerage treatment facility used to put off a stink in the summertime that would drive you to your knees. Several technological overhauls has turned this once foul location into a premiere fowl location. Pickering Ponds is now a well renowned bird viewing area that has over 2 and a half miles of trails you can enjoy, completely stench free!

It is wonderful that technological advances have greatly improved the scent of my hometown. I'm proud that we live in an age when people have to use GPS devices on their phone to find their way to Gonic, instead of just following their nose!