Dietz & Watson Implements Odor Relief Plan

Attention Delanco and nearby residents: If you've been pinching your nose shut these past few days to protect yourself from the offensive odors coming from Dietz & Watson, take heart—relief is on the way. 

The company has brought in BioTriad Environmental, of Stroudsburg, PA, to implement an odor-neutralization plan at the site of the burned-out facility on Coopertown Road.

Nearby residents have had to deal with the foul odor created by tons of spoiled meat still at the site. Dietz & Watson has been working aggressively to remove all the spoiled food to nearby landfills, but the smell has persisted. According to Freeholder Director Joe Donnelly, nearly 4,000 tons of product has already been disposed of.

BioTriad was on site Friday morning setting up equipment to begin the odor-control process, according to updates on Dietz & Watson's special Twitter feed @DelancoCleanup.

BioTriad is using "natural plant extracts" to neutralize odors, which will also involve treating the dump trucks that are hauling the spoiled food. The environmental company said residents should notice an improvement quickly once treatment begins.

In a statement to residents, Donnelly said, "We are constantly looking for new ways to resolve these issues and will do everything within our power to expedite the cleanup process ... Still, I understand the frustration of some of our residents. I ask that everyone keep in mind the enormous nature of the task at hand and the difficult road that lays ahead for Dietz & Watson as they seek to recover and rebuild."

Meanwhile, Delanco Fire Chief Ron Holt said the number of hot spots have been minimized. 

The investigation into the cause of the blaze continues, Holt said, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives taking the lead. Arson was ruled out early on.

Several avenues exist for residents seeking information and updates about the progress at the site, including a Twitter feed (@DelancoCleanup) updated several times a day; a 24-hour hotline (215-668-9749); and an email address, delancocleanup@dietzandwatson.com.