News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Arturo Garcia-Costas, 718-482-7287

Media Advisory

NYSDEC To Meet with Community on Planned Actions Against Odor from Sewage Sludge Plant in the Bronx

ALBANY, NY (07/24/2008; 1530)(readMedia)-- On Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m. the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will inform residents in the South Bronx about new, aggressive measures it is taking to combat odors from the sewage sludge pelletization plant located in the Hunts Point area of the Bronx. The public information meeting, hosted by Congressman Jose Serrano, will be held at The Point Community Development Corporation at 940 Garrison Avenue in the Bronx.

The New York Organic Fertilizer Company's plant began operations in 1993. Over the years, repeated complaints have been made about odors emanating from the facility. It has been the subject of two major DEC enforcement actions during that period. In recent months, DEC has developed a new strategy to address the odor issues associated with the plant, and it is inviting public comments on its plans. This evening's meeting will focus on:

• A proposed new solid waste permit with significantly tighter controls at key stages of facility operation to prevent odors before they start;
• A proposed new air permit with new requirements for stack testing of odorous compounds and strict standards for maintaining pollution control equipment; and
• A stepped-up monitoring plan for the summer months - when odor complaints tend to be more frequent; DEC will conduct three surprise odor inspections each week, one of which will be a weekly evening inspection.

The proposed permits will be available for public review and comment. Members of the public will have an opportunity to review them and make further suggestions to the DEC.

DATE: Thursday, July 24, 2008

TIME: 6 p.m.

PLACE: 940 Garrison Avenue (The Point Community Development Corporation), South Bronx

SPEAKERS: Congressman Jose Serrano (expected)

Suzanne Mattei, DEC Regional Director

Michelle Moore, DEC Environmental Analyst

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