Stench from a slaughterhouse inconveniences town’s inhabitants in Gütersloh
Residents near a factory in Dissen, Lower Saxony, have been complaining about persistent odors for years. The factory, owned by Sarval Fischermanns, produces pet food and industrial fats from slaughter by-products.
Matthias Bartsch, a local resident and member of the online initiative "Stinkalarm", finds the smell unbearable and often keeps his windows closed, even at night. The odor is described as a heavy, foul smell of rotten meat.
Two years ago, the responsible trade inspection office in Osnabrück ordered renovation measures for the plant. However, residents claim these measures have had little effect. The company spokesman of Sarval Fischermanns has not provided a clear explanation for the ongoing smell in the vicinity of the plant.
Recently, another foul-smelling cloud was reported, indicating that the renovation measures have not resulted in a significant reduction of the odors. The trade inspection office has not yet taken new steps after the renovation measures, as the odor problem persists.
The initiative "Stinkalarm" continues to advocate for the residents affected by the odors from the factory. Darius Preiß, a spokesman of the initiative, expresses dissatisfaction with the current situation.
The process at the factory involves killing bacteria and germs, resulting in a mass of proteins and fats. These are further processed into animal feed or industrial fats. In mid-July, a crack occurred in one of Sarval Fischermanns' machines for sterilizing slaughter by-products, causing odor pollution.
The trade inspection office in Osnabrück has confirmed frequent odor pollution from the factory. The odors are not an isolated incident, as residents in Marl-Hamm are also experiencing persistent odors from another factory, which they describe similarly.
The residents of the area feel insufficiently informed by the company and the trade inspection. The spokesmen of the initiative "Stinkalarm" praise the action of the authority but express concern about the ongoing odor problem.
General explanations for the persistence of odors from slaughter by-product factories include residual organic material and fat deposits in ducts, pipes, or surfaces, incomplete upgrading of ventilation or air filtration systems, the inherent nature of processing animal by-products, possible issues with waste storage or disposal facilities, and changes in weather or wind patterns. However, for precise reasons, local environmental reports or statements from the factory operators or regulatory bodies would be needed.
- Despite reassurance from the trade inspection office and the factory's commitment to renovation measures, the persistent odors from Sarval Fischermanns' factory in Dissen continue to raise concerns in the realm of both environmental-science and public-health, potentially impacting the overall quality of life for residents in the area.
- As news of this ongoing issue has spread, financial losses for the surrounding businesses and industry could become a significant concern, with potential impacts to tourism and local economy, as reported by Darius Preiß, a spokesman for the concerned residents' initiative "Stinkalarm."
