GENEVA – The president of a manufacturing company admits a process at the plant is releasing a noxious odor and officials are taking steps to stop the release of the smell.
In a public statement to be released through the city's electronic newsletter, Burgess-Norton Manufacturing President Brett Vasseur said new equipment installed Thursday should stop the smell from permeating the neighborhood near Peyton Street.
"The smell, albeit noxious, is not harmful," Vasseur said in the prepared statement. "On behalf of Burgess-Norton, we apologize for this situation. We have operated in this community for over 100 years and have always worked closely with the community. Our intent is to continue doing so."
Neighbors complained of a stink in the area which company officials eventually realized was caused by a machine oil used in drilling equipment. Last month, officials replaced the oil with another product, but the smell was still apparent.
The new equipment to control the smell, which includes a HEPA mist collector with carbon filtration, is expected to be up and running today.
"We have a high confidence level that this odor control equipment will address and further improve this situation," Vasseur said.
Burgess-Norton Human Resources Director Rita Seiller said the company moved on the problem as soon as it could over the past month.
"It's been a No. 1 priority," Seiller said. "We got the installation done, it's up and running, and [Friday] will be the test as to whether there is a detection of improvement."
Company officials seek feedback from the community on how the new equipment is working by calling Seiller at 630-232-3771 or Tom Wenzel at 630-232-3730.
More information will be posted on the company's Web site www.burgessnorton.com, including its oil mist assessment for the breathing zone of the company's operators.
Feedback wanted
Company officials seek feedback from the community on how the new equipment is working by calling Rita Seiller at 630-232-3771 or Tom Wenzel at 630-232-3730.