SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — The city council has given first-round approval for toughening Sioux City’s odor ordinance.

The first of three council votes occurred at Monday’s meeting.

Two more council votes are needed to put the changes into effect.  They are part of an effort to reduce odors from private companies and the city’s sewer facilities.

The changes would require the city to investigate if there are seven complaints within a 30-day period. Currently, the requirement calls for at least 10 complaints in a six-hour period.

An Odor Control Committee also could review compliance plans and recommend enforcement action.

Failure to deal with problems could result in initial penalties of $750 and up to $1,000 for each subsequent offense