Residents of Calverton in Suffolk County, Long Island, have been grappling with an "unbearable" smell emanating from a former tree farm, prompting an outcry for remedial action. Complaints about the odor, believed to be coming from composting activities at the site now owned by an Oceanside business owner, reached a fever pitch this summer. According to ABC7 New York, the smell was so intense that it led to discomfort including itchy throats, irritated eyes, and has negatively impacted both residents and their animals.
Michael Maresca, a local homeowner, remarked, "You can't even stay out. You have to lock yourself in the house and wait for it to pass," in an interview obtained by ABC7 New York. Drone imagery has shown large piles of compost scattered across the 43-acre property, which has become a point of contention in the community. The situation is complicated, by respiratory concerns for sensitive individuals such as Maresca's granddaughter who suffers from cystic fibrosis, and, the health of local wildlife, as horses are reportedly experiencing teary eyes.
The environmental disruption caught the attention of the Town of Riverhead, resulting in a stop-work order and the suspension of the owner's Use permit, as well as levying 11 violations against the owner for littering and misuse of land among other infractions. According to CBS News New York, these actions have brought some relief, with Maresca noting, "this last month or so, it's been normal." However, the problem is far from resolved, and residents are pushing for groundwater and air quality testing to assess the full scope of potential environmental and health impacts.
Despite the allegations of malodor and improper waste disposal, the owner's attorney insists that the controversial compost is indeed organic, and they plan to resume tree planting later in the year. They also suggest that the noxious odors might stem from, a fire at a nearby recycling facility. In light of these events, civic groups in Calverton are not just worried about the stench, but also about the increase of pests and rodents that have purportedly followed the questionable composting practices. "My grandson, he's 6 years old. I went to the town meeting and I let them know that he's been waking up with bloody noses," Katie Briaenza told CBS News New York, showcasing the tangible impact on the health and well-being of local residents.
As the community awaits further investigation by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the court date for the landowner on September 9, there rests an air of uncertainty over Calverton.
