A St. Petersburg apartment resident is creating a public health crisis by filling his bathtub with feces, causing a stench and potential health hazards for neighbors. The situation has escalated to the point where residents are seeking legal intervention and health officials are getting involved.

The resident of apartment 67 on Maly Prospekt in Vasilyevsky Island has reportedly filled his bathtub and other containers with excrement, causing it to overflow and leak into neighboring apartments. The unbearable stench and unsanitary conditions have forced one family to send their child to live with relatives and prompted concerns about the potential health risks associated with sewer gases.

Neighbors first noticed a foul odor emanating from the apartment in late April, which intensified over time. Brown streaks began appearing on the bathroom walls of neighboring apartments on May 26, confirming the source of the problem. Plumbers who inspected the apartment were reportedly overwhelmed by the stench and refused to take further action without the owner’s involvement.

Olga, a resident of the building, contacted local authorities, including the police and the district administration, but received little assistance. She then appealed to the governor through social media, prompting a response from the district administration promising action. However, the problem persists.

The housing maintenance office (ZhKS) has determined that the resident is not the owner of the apartment but rather the brother of the owner, who claims his brother is “sick” and he is unable to control his behavior. The ZhKS has contacted guardianship authorities and is preparing an appeal to Rospotrebnadzor, the consumer protection agency.

Sewer gases released from decomposing feces contain hazardous substances such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia, which can pose serious health risks upon inhalation. Authorities are exploring legal options to address the situation, but the process could be lengthy.