FRISCO — Playing outside is a rare treat for the West family. They say a neighbor down the street usually spoils the fun.

"It's that sewage smell, and it's just enough to ruin your afternoon," said Corey West. "We have family and neighbors over here and it's embarrassing; We're like, let's go inside, because they're all going, 'What's that smell?'"

The Wests worry the unappetizing aroma will only get worse, with plans to triple the size of the nearby Stewart Creek sewage treatment plant to handle 15 million gallons a day.

The North Texas Municipal Water District says the expansion is badly needed to serve a booming Frisco.

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"It's just enough to ruin your afternoon," said Corey West.

The existing plant is already working at capacity, and another facility nearby will reach maximum capacity in three years.

Managers say a bonus of the Stewart Creek expansion will permit newer technology that should help with the smell.

"We do try our best to offset those off-site odors, but we are dealing with a wastewater treatment plant," said water district spokeswoman Denise Hickey.

Since the Stewart Creek facility was built in 1992, new subdivisions have sprouted around the plant. Neighbors say it no longer makes sense to let the plant get bigger.

"The odors can be rather strong," concedes Randall Smith, president of the Stewart Creek Estates Homeowners' Association. Nevertheless, he approves of the expansion plans.

"Something's got to be done to increase that level of capacity of the plant," he said.

Buy the West family remains unconvinced.

"If we're having problems now, can you imagine the problems we'll have when it triples in size?" Corey West asked. "This will make this neighborhood unlivable."

West worries that moments spent outside with family members and pets may soon come to an end.

E-mail jbetz@wfaa.com