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Bountiful resident urges council action over paint-shop fumes near homes and gardens
Summary
A longtime Bountiful resident told the council that a nearby auto paint shop is emitting paint particulates and volatile organic compounds that are coating cars, gardens and possibly entering homes.
Neil Olsen, a resident of 343 West 250 North, told the Bountiful City Council on Aug. 12 that an auto paint shop he identified as Direct Auto Collision at 440 North 200 West is emitting paint particulates and volatile organic compounds that are coating nearby homes and vegetation.
“They have a very, very basic paint exhaust fan, and I think they have a very minimum filtering aspect to this exhaust fan,” Olsen said during the public-comment period, describing what he said was a coat of paint particulate on his vegetable garden and cars and “even inside of our homes.” He told the council he observed solvent cans labeled with a skull and crossbones and listed chemicals including benzene, xylene and formaldehyde.
Olsen asked the council for “sympathy or at least kindness” and said neighbors are concerned about possible health effects; he noted neighbors with cancer and one resident on oxygen. He compared the fumes to an oil refinery release, saying the Environmental Protection Agency enforces fines for benzene releases, and urged city action to clear the air.
The council did not take immediate action during the meeting; no staff response or motion on the record appears in the transcript. The complaint was submitted during the public-comment period rather than during a scheduled agenda item.
Why it matters: The complaint raises public‑health and nuisance concerns tied to local air emissions, and it asks the city to examine potential code or enforcement responses. The transcript does not record any staff findings, inspections, or next steps taken in response.
What to watch for: If the council or staff open an inquiry, next steps could include inspection of the business’s exhaust filtration, measurement of airborne contaminants, and coordination with state agencies if regulated contaminants are confirmed. The transcript records the resident’s request but does not document an inspection or referral.
Source: Public comment by Neil Olsen, Aug. 12 Bountiful City Council meeting.
