Some Gravesend residents say an overpowering stench is taking over the neighborhood, and they fear it contains toxins.

They say it appears to be coming from a new garbage station on Shore Parkway near Bay 41st Street, where construction has stirred up soil they claim is contaminated. The city is building its new Southwest Marine Transfer Station there. 

City Councilman Mark Treyger joined the residents in decrying the project, as did state Assemblyman William Colton.

Residents say they performed testing several years ago on the site and found soil laced with mercury, lead and other metals. They also say the contamination may be leaking from the site into Gravesend Bay.

The city's Department of Sanitation says the transfer station is an important part of the city's solid waste management plan, and was approved by City Council.