Tensions are rising in Berlin as local residents and businesses express unease about the ongoing operations of Bright Feeds, a company specializing in converting food waste into animal feed. Complaints center around persistent noises and unpleasant odors emanating from the Fuller Way facility, sparking debates about environmental and health impacts in the community.
Lingering Odors Affect Daily Life
Residents near Bright Feeds report experiencing strong, offensive smells that disrupt their daily routines. Shawn McLaughlin, a commercial truck manager at Tasca Ford dealership, describes the odor as resembling rotten bread.
“It’s hard to explain. Some days it’s worse. Sometimes, it seems like they put something in it to cover it up, but you could smell it underneath it. And it’s what gets in your nose and stuff,” McLaughlin shared.
- Impact on Employees:
- Difficulty concentrating at work
- Reduced customer satisfaction due to unpleasant environment
- Increased absenteeism from affected employees
McLaughlin adds that the smell not only affects him but also his coworkers, with some feeling nauseated and others noticing soot on their vehicles. The persistent odor has been a concern for over a year, raising questions about the facility’s emission controls and environmental safeguards.
Noise Pollution Disrupts Neighborhood Peace
Beyond the smells, residents like Ryan Malloy are troubled by the constant noise coming from the Bright Feeds facility. The vibrating sounds have become a daily nuisance, affecting the quality of life for those living nearby.
Daily Noise Levels
| Time of Day | Noise Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Strong vibrations heard | Disturbed sleep patterns |
| Afternoon | Continuous humming sounds | Difficulty focusing |
| Evening | Persistent low-frequency noise | Interrupted relaxation |
Malloy explains that the noise is so intrusive it forces him to sleep in a different bedroom, away from the sound source. His dog also refuses to go outside, highlighting the broader impact on family life and pet well-being.
“Everybody has their own opinion of it. I consider it like a smothering garbage smell. To me, it smells like old rotten food,” Malloy said. “We just want the data, so we can be comfortable that we’re okay. That our health’s okay. That our kid’s health are okay, my family’s health, my dog’s health.”
Bright Feeds Responds to Community Concerns
Despite the complaints, Bright Feeds maintains that their operations are safe and environmentally friendly. A company spokesperson emphasized their commitment to minimizing any negative impact on the surrounding area.
“Our process is designed and operated to ensure that what comes into the plant and what goes out is safe for both people and animals,” the spokesperson stated. “We carefully select and manage our source materials to exclude hazardous or toxic contaminants.”
Company Safety Measures
- Material Selection: Rigorous screening to prevent harmful substances
- Emission Controls: Advanced technology to reduce odors and noise
- Regular Inspections: Frequent checks to ensure compliance with safety standards
However, the continued dissatisfaction among residents suggests that these measures may not be fully effective or adequately addressing the community’s concerns.
Community Seeks Transparency and Action
The ongoing issues have prompted residents to call for more transparency and proactive measures from Bright Feeds. They are demanding access to data regarding air quality and noise levels to better understand the potential health risks.
“We just want the data, so we can be comfortable that we’re okay,” Malloy reiterated. The community is urging local authorities to intervene and ensure that Bright Feeds adheres to all environmental regulations and implements necessary improvements to mitigate the adverse effects.
