This company has a history of emissions problems and two releases in a week that sicken school children and disrupt the community cannot be tolerated. Later that day, DEC directed the company not to resume operations until it could demonstrate that future odor releases would not occur. The company resumed production however, and has refused to cease. The summary abatement order is based upon releases of pyridine, a noxious smelling chemical used in products such as vitamins and herbicides. The health effects associated with exposure to pyridine vapor are irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and skin rashes.
All of these symptoms were reported by students at three schools in the Monroe-Woodbury School District. Nepera has an opportunity to challenge the issuance of the summary abatement order.