West Chester University professor, Lorenzo Cena Ph.D., who leads the school’s Environmental Health program, delivered his final air quality report to New Garden Township supervisors. The 83-page report measured ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulfide emissions from outdoor fresh mushroom production facilities throughout the township in order to determine whether they achieved acceptable levels as established by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The study was in response to complaints from residents about persistent odors from the mushroom composting plants. The report concludes that “the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ambient air quality standard has periodically been violated” and that hydrogen sulfide concentrations are elevated enough to cause discernible and recognizable symptoms.
Source: Chester County Press; 1/15/2025