Odor-control experts coming to Dietz & Watson site

DELANCO, N.J. - September 20, 2013

One week ago, Action News reporter Chad Pradelli reported on neighbors' frustration and disgust over the foul smell.

The Dietz & Watson distribution center was heavily damaged by a multi-alarm blaze that broke out on September 1.

The company acknowledges that although it has been removing spoiled meat and other debris daily, the stench has lingered.

The odor of the spoiled meat has continued to be distributed by the shifting winds and has caused headaches for area residents.

"The smell is like 1,000 dead animals on the side of the road, sometimes it's so atrocious," said

"I have four cats and with the windows opening during those times, they're sneezing and coughing, so I have to close the windows. It's livable, I understand, they lost a big investment over there," said

In response Dietz & Watson hired Biotrad Environmental out of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to go after the odor.

Crews arrived and set up fogging nozzles Friday to aggressively neutralize the foul odors with an aerosol blend of natural and biodegradable plant extracts, diluted with water.

For the beleaguered residents of Delanco, relief cannot come soon enough.

"We're a part of the neighborhood here in Delanco and have been since 2007. We're just as concerned with the odor as anyone in Delanco and we feel that we're making tremendous progress," said Louis Eni, Dietz & Watson CEO.

Meanwhile small fires continue to flare up at the site on occasion.

Officials hope to complete the cleanup in the next week.

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.