Odor Complaint Form Available Online
Over the past year, residents living near the Town of Fairhaven’s wastewater treatment plant have noticed a very significant increase in the frequency and intensity of very strong and unpleasant odors. Many neighbors have raised concerns with town officials about these conditions.
The Superintendent of the Department of Public Works has explained that the odors appear to be related to the ongoing wastewater treatment plant renovation project. Neighbors believe it may also have to do with clearcutting of many trees for a new housing development, where those trees formerly created a buffer from the plant odors.
The Superintendent stated, at a recent Board of Health meeting, that the DPW wants to act as a good neighbor and has offered to introduce a chemical treatment into the system to help mitigate odors during construction. However, the DPW has emphasized that it relies on feedback from nearby residents when odor conditions rise to the level of a nuisance.
In response to concerns about the nuisance of these odors, the Fairhaven Board of Health has created an online odor complaint form so residents can quickly report when they experience these conditions. This information will help town officials better understand when odors occur and evaluate whether additional mitigation measures are needed.
If you are in the area of the treatment plant and notice strong odors, please consider taking a moment to file a report using the complaint form available on the Town of Fairhaven website at www. fairhaven-ma.gov (or https://tinyurl. com/2jz2fuee). If you do not have access to the internet, you can call the Health Department at (508) 979-4032. Consistent feedback from residents will help the town identify patterns and respond more effectively.
Working together, residents and town officials can help ensure that the renovation project moves forward while minimizing impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.
Kellie McCarthy, Fairhaven
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