'It stinks': Brentwood neighbors concerned over mulch order as state DEC issues violations to local facility
Brentwood residents say a persistent foul odor of mulch is affecting their quality of life as state environmental officials cite a local company for multiple violations and order it to stop accepting additional waste.
Neighbors in Brentwood say a strong odor of mulch is disrupting daily life.
The complaints center around 495 Materials, a supplier located on Suffolk Avenue, where large mulch piles have drawn the attention of both nearby residents and state regulators.
"It's horrible. It's a mess. It stinks," said Brentwood resident Linda Gotti.
Residents say the odor can be detected well beyond the facility's property line.
"Every time we try to have a gathering or family get together, we have a problem," said Michael Velazquez. "People have to leave early or we cancel it because the smell during weekends and weeks is tremendous."
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the company has been cited for multiple violations. Those violations include failing to control off-site odors and operating an unauthorized facility by exceeding the state's 10,000-cubic-yard limit for mulch.
The DEC also cited the company for exceeding allowable mulch pile sizes and failing to maintain required separation distances between piles.
"You got plenty of food places here. You open the doors and that's what you smell," Gotti said. "Who wants to eat at one of the food places with that smell?"
News 12 visited the facility seeking comment on the violations but was told by employees they knew nothing about the violations.
Residents say the odor remains a constant issue.
"I just passed there right now to pick up my grandchildren," Velazquez said. "The pile is high and the truck is bringing the smell over. You smell it every day."
For some neighbors, the concerns go beyond the odor itself.
"If people are not doing the right thing, that's what worries me," said Gerald Fuller.
Residents also say they are concerned about potential health impacts.
"A lot of people are having issues with asthma, headaches and I would say it's from there," Gotti said.
In response to the violations, the DEC has ordered the facility to stop accepting additional waste until the issues are corrected or formally resolved through the legal process.
News 12 also reached out to 495 Materials by phone but did not receive a response.
