News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

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

NYSDEC Acts to Tighten Controls On Odors At Bronx Plant

ALBANY, NY (10/08/2008; 1536)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has taken the first of three steps designed to tighten controls on odor-generating processes at the sewage sludge pelletization plant owned by New York Organic Fertilizer Company (NYOFCo), located at Hunts Point in the Bronx.

Today, Regional Director Suzanne Mattei announced that NYSDEC issued an amended solid-waste permit that requires NYOFCo to install an air pressure alarm to help keep odors from escaping the plant, undertake several maintenance measures to prevent odors, prevent excessive build-up of unprocessed sludge in the plant and pay the costs for an independent "Odor Response Monitor." The solid waste permit was the result of extended negotiations with NYOFCo, and members of the public had an opportunity to comment on the draft permit.

As a second step, Regional Director Mattei noted that NYSDEC soon will initiate a proposed modification to the solid waste permit to require more specific odor monitoring and control measures. NYOFCo will be able to agree to these new provisions or challenge them in an administrative proceeding.

Finally, as part of the renewal of the plant's air permit under the federal Clean Air Act, NYSDEC intends to establish new conditions for air pollution stack testing and air pollution equipment maintenance. Regional Director Mattei noted that the proposed air pollution permit renewal will be published for public review and comments this fall.

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