Vikersund, Norway, is facing an unusual problem just weeks before it welcomes the world’s elite ski jumpers for the highly anticipated Raw Air event scheduled to run from March 12 to March 16. Local residents are grappling with a foul odor plaguing their town, likened to the stench of decomposing bodies. This unsettling aroma is raising alarms, particularly as the village prepares to host skiers and spectators alike, who might notice the unpleasant scent and associate it with Vikersund’s identity.
The source of this odor is known: approximately 800 tons of sewage sludge has been applied to farmland situated about one kilometer from the ski jumping venue. This sludge is typically used as fertilizer to improve soil quality and boost agricultural productivity. Yet, this season’s application has sparked complaints from locals, who describe the smell as reminiscent of feces and even “decomposing bodies.”
“It is tragic for the whole village if we become known as the place that's stinky,” lamented Thomas Hovde Marthinsen, one of the concerned residents, during his conversation with the Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Marthinsen expressed his embarrassment for the community and pointed out the urgency of addressing the issue before the Raw Air festivities. “I find this embarrassing. There’s going to be a Raw Air party; it can't happen like this,” he added, reflecting the sentiments expressed by others around him.
Lena Kjemperud, another resident, articulated her thoughts on the troubling odor, stating, “It’s a mix of ammonia and cat urine. It smells like feces. Vikersund should be known for its ski jump, not for its stench.” Her comment highlights the collective desire of Vikersund’s inhabitants to prioritize the town’s rich history and reputation as one of the premier ski jump locations globally, rather than carrying the stigma of this unpleasant situation.
The reason behind the intensified odor this year remains somewhat of a mystery for local officials. According to Anna Arneberg, head of the agriculture department of Modum Municipality, sewage sludge is not new to the region; they traditionally apply it five times annually for agricultural revitalization. “We do not know exactly why, but we think it's related to the weather and the wind direction,” she explained. The conditions this year may have contributed to the exacerbated stench, alarming residents as the sport event approaches.
Efforts to remedy the situation have been put forth with the application of compost atop the sludge, but initial results have proven inadequate. Despite these attempts to combat malodor, the offensive smell persists, casting uncertainty over the atmosphere the town hopes to maintain during the events.
With the Raw Air event looming, anticipation is building as local officials and residents hold out hope for improvements. Spearheading the celebration of ski jumping, Vikersund has earned the nickname “the ski jumping paradise.” Yet, this year’s circumstances are raising questions about how future events will be perceived if the foul scent continues to linger.
“This is unbearable, someone has to take action against the smell,” remarked Marthinsen passionately, underscoring the urgency many feel as they navigate this uncomfortable predicament.
While Vikersund is renowned for its monumental ski jump and the thrilling displays of athleticism on the world stage, the current attention surrounding the odor could overshadow the sporting prowess it seeks to exhibit. Residents are left hoping for favorable weather conditions and wind shifts, which might alleviate the burdensome odor by the time both competitors and spectators make their way to the village.
Efforts to mitigate the problem are underway, but as of now, Vikersund remains stuck between its celebrated past as the center of ski jumping and the current reality of its distressing odor, challenging its image as the picturesque sporting village it strives to maintain.
With less than three weeks until the event, time is not on Vikersund’s side as they work to restore both the environment and their reputation.