Chemical company causes problems at Waynesville sewer treatment plant

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — An expansion at a plant in Waynesville has created an unexpected problem at the town's sewer treatment plant.

Town officials said ammonia levels at the plant began spiking, which led to a state violation and fines.

Workers discovered the problem was being caused by a chemical company upstream. Giles chemical is the world's largest producer of Epsom salt. A new process at the plant resulted in salt being sent down the drain.

Giles officials said the town has made adjustments to correct the problem.