Residents in Berlin had been complaining about a strong smell coming from a nearby food recycling facility. However, improvements have been made, and the odor has largely disappeared.
Back in 2024, after two years of operations by Bright Feeds, locals described the smell as overwhelming and reminiscent of spoiled meat. But the installation of a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) in April 2025 significantly changed things. This device uses heat to eliminate harmful pollutants and odors before releasing clean air.
Shawn McLaughlin, a manager at a nearby business, recalled the unpleasant experience: “The smell was terrible—nauseating at times. But now, it’s much better; we hardly notice it anymore.”
Health concerns were also raised about the air quality. The Connecticut Department of Public Health evaluated the potential risks from emissions and concluded that exposure to the facility’s pollutants is unlikely to harm local residents. According to their report, “breathing contaminants at modeled levels is not expected to affect health.”
Cheryl Fields, a toxicologist with the Department of Public Health, explained that while certain processing odors can cause temporary discomfort like headaches or nausea, they do not indicate long-term health risks. “Smelling something doesn’t always mean it’s dangerous. Often, odors can be detected at levels that are far below harmful concentrations,” she noted.
Laxmi Stebbins Wordham, Bright Feeds’ chief growth officer, expressed relief at the state’s findings. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our workers and the community,” she stated.
However, not all issues have been resolved. Noise pollution remains a concern for some residents. One neighbor described it as a persistent low-pitched sound that feels invasive. “It’s like a fan that drills into your head,” he stated, highlighting the discomfort it brings to his home.
In response, the town enacted a noise ordinance last June to regulate decibel levels during specific times. The mayor reported that Bright Feeds is adhering to these new guidelines.
This situation illustrates the complex relationship between industrial operations and community health. As similar facilities pop up in urban areas, finding a balance between progress and quality of life remains vital. In a 2022 survey, nearly 60% of people living near industrial zones reported some form of dissatisfaction with air quality and noise. Local governance and community engagement are key to managing these challenges effectively.
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