Elizabeth homeowners complain of consistent odor from wastewater treatment plant
The complaints are coming from a neighborhood that is half a mile from the plant, in areas such as Franklin Street, Elizabeth Avenue and Marshall Street.
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Some people in the port section of Elizabeth have had it with the stench emanating from a wastewater treatment plant on South First Street. Since April, City Hall has been inundated with complaints about the Edward P. Decher Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility.
The complaints are coming from a neighborhood that is half a mile from the plant, in areas such as Franklin Street, Elizabeth Avenue and Marshall Street. Those living nearby say the foul odor has become overwhelming.
Mayor Chris Bolwage has heard the complaints and is responding. He doesn’t believe that the plant managers are doing enough to stop the odor from leaving the property. The facility is operated by the Joint Meeting of Essex and Union counties.
The mayor offered a statement saying, “the odor affecting our residents and businesses is unacceptable. This has been the strongest and most persistent odor our city has experienced, and we will continue to hold the responsible parties accountable until this issue is resolved. Simply attributing this to the direction of the wind is not an acceptable answer. We are prepared to work with the governor’s office, to ensure this matter receives the attention it deserves and that meaningful action is taken to protect our residents and businesses.”
The mayor is talking about taking legal action and imposing fines.
News 12 New Jersey has reached out to the plant operator for a comment.
