8/14/08

Odor complaints drop as company responds to PSCAA violation

by Beckye Randall

Cedar Grove Composting was expected to submit its internal findings to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) August 11, 30 days after the agency issued a violation to the local company that provides organic recycling services.

The company has been identified as the probable source of a foul odor that has permeated the southern and eastern edges of Marysville in recent weeks.

Rich Neff, an inspector for PSCAA, confirmed that “we have not identified another source” of the problem, although inspectors have looked at nearby businesses whose operations could have contributed to the smell.

“Complaints are down significantly,” said Neff, “and we’ve taken no further enforcement action since the citation was issued July 11.”

The citation gave Cedar Grove 30 days to identify the processes used in their operation and the steps taken to mitigate any possible air quality issues.

Company officials have pointed to the receipt of organic materials between April and July that had not been properly stored or transported, and therefore were already anaerobic, producing strong odors, when they arrived at Cedar Grove for processing.

Neff said the composting company was “fully cooperating” with PSCAA’s investigation.

“Whatever they do [as a result of the investigation], they want it to be a fix, not a band-aid,” he said.

Cedar Grove Composting has been doing business at its Everett location, just off Highway 529, for five years. Prior to June of this year, it had been the subject of only one air quality complaint.

PSCAA encourages residents to notify the agency about air quality problems. Unless the complainant requests anonymity, an inspector makes contact and updates the resident on his or her findings and any action taken.

In a previous article in North County Outlook, an incorrect telephone number for the agency was published. Residents can contact PSCAA by e-mail at inspection@pscleanair.org, or phone 1-800-552-3565.