Naugatuck air quality concern

Naugatuck (WTNH) - There is something in the air in Naugatuck and residents aren't too happy about it. Changes have been made but some residents say a foul odor is still coming from a waste management treatment center.

"It's horrible. We have tried to have cook-outs, but we have had to take it inside because the smell is so bad," Peg Sheehy said.

Joe and Peg live within sight of the waste water treatment plant. For five years, they say the smells of sewage have drifted through the neighborhood, permeating their house and forcing them to keep their windows closed and stay inside.

"It's strong enough where we would be embarrassed as heck sitting out on our back deck," said Joe.

Veolia Water say they have added scrubbers, filters and a spray system to help cut back on the smell and it is working. Some neighbors say they have noticed the difference and it is still getting better. But there are still occasional smells and more needs to be done.

Veolia Water has hired an environment consultant to undertake a study to determine the sources of the odor and determine the possible resolution.

Mike Cicciarella is is the Second Deputy Mayor in Naugatuck and he has been talking with Veolia in order to solve the problem.

The Department of Environmental Protection has received 14 complaints last year about the odor and fined the town more than $2,500.

Cicciarella said things are going in the right direction but they need to find how the odor is getting out into the air before DEP steps in again.

"The DEP has actually fined the borough," he said. "And the DEP has a mandate for us to investigate this and determine the cause of the odors and come up with some kind of a game plan."