BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A city spray-drying services company has been cited by state environmental officials after production of a “parmesan cheese flavor” incited complaints of a foul odor throughout the city.
Spray-Tek, 3010 Avenue B., in mid-August was issued a state Department of Environmental Protection notice of violation.
Now, DEP is reviewing odor control plans submitted by the company, agency spokeswoman Colleen Connolly said in an email.
“We take this matter seriously and are committed to addressing the concerns raised, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, and preventing future occurrences.”Spray-Tek officials said in an email to the DEP
“We take this matter seriously and are committed to addressing the concerns raised, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, and preventing future occurrences,” company officials said in an email to the DEP obtained by LehighValleyNews.com.
LehighValleyNews.com has reached out to Spray-Tek for comment.
Over the summer, DEP received more than 50 complaints about a noxious odor wafting through the area, describing it as a rotting smell.
Officials investigated and found Spray-Tek to be the source.
Since then, the agency issued a malodor violation, prompting the company to submit a corrective action plan.
Spray Tek by LehighValley Newsdotcom on Scribd
'Taking decisive actions'
The violation, issued Aug. 16, details the July 30 investigation completed by the DEP.
“During the inspection, DEP observed malodorous emissions off site that were confirmed to have originated from Spray-Tek’s property,” according to the notice.
“By permitting these malodors, Spray Tek caused violations of 48-00089 and 25 Pa. Code Section 123,21(b).”
Spray-Tek had 15 days to respond, “explaining why the above violation occurred and how you will prevent similar violations from occurring in the future.”
Upon thorough investigation, we have identified that the alleged violation on the day of July 30, 2024, was associated with a parmesan cheese flavor that was in production on our Dryer 6 line.Robert Rusconi, a senior manager in plant engineering at Spray-Tek
In the company’s response, dated Aug. 29, Robert Rusconi, a senior manager in plant engineering, acknowledged receipt of the violation and shared the outcome of the company's investigation.
“Upon thorough investigation, we have identified that the alleged violation on the day of July 30, 2024, was associated with a parmesan cheese flavor that was in production on our Dryer 6 line,” Rusconi said in the letter.
“The issue may have been exacerbated by the improper setup of our venturi scrubber. Instructions stated that this scrubber was to be set to run on freshwater only and called for a higher than usual demand of caustic.
“We temporarily halted production while corrective action was taken. Once fresh water and an increase in caustic were incorporated, the situation was addressed. We are taking decisive actions to prevent a possible recurrence.”
Plans for solutions
Corrective action plans are being implemented, Rusconi said, and employees are getting additional training.
The company “will also continue to explore more robust odor abatement options,” he said.
The corrective action plan shows plans for one short-term and two-long term solutions.
The former, estimated to be completed in March, includes installing a carbon absorption system along one corner of the building and connecting it to a specific dryer that has been designated for products that could cause bad odors, according to the corrective action plan.
The long-term solutions, expected to be completed in September and June 2026, respectively, are based around installing the carbon absorption system outlined in the short-term plan.
They include adding more ductwork and a rotary blower to exhaust the system and, if “demand for products that have potential for off-site odors in 2025-2026,” installing a platform with carbon beds to support the exhaust outputs.
It is at least the second time Spray-Tek has been cited by the DEP in the past two years.
In October 2022, the company was issued a notice of violation after residents complained about a sweet odor, similar to maple syrup or popcorn, permeating through northwest city neighborhoods.
