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Evansville resident reports persistent burning-plastic odor; staff to coordinate with county health and building commission
Summary
A longtime Evansville resident told the board Aug. 19 that a neighbor’s exhaust-like installation emits a persistent burning-plastic odor that has made his household cough and affected grandchildren; staff said the issue is a gray area and will investigate with building commission, code enforcement and Vanderburgh County Health Department.
Michael Freeman, a resident of 3013 West Franklin Street, addressed the Evansville Climate Collaborative during public comment on Aug. 19, describing a persistent, foul odor he believes is caused by a neighbor’s exhaust or combustion process.
Freeman said he observed a roughly six-inch round exhaust device mounted at the neighbor’s window and that the device produces a strong odor he described as “burning plastic” and “rotten” that has been ongoing for more than a year. He said his indoor meter at one point recorded readings of about 1,700 parts per million and that family members, including grandchildren, have developed watery eyes and coughing while at his house.
Freeman said he had spoken with the neighbor directly and with the building commission and code enforcement before coming to the board. He said a code inspector visited but concluded there were no window units “hanging out the windows.” Freeman brought photos and said he has video and meter readings documenting the emissions and its proximity to his home.
Officer Montgomery and staff responded on the record. Lauren Norvell told Freeman that the matter is a “gray area” for municipal jurisdiction because the city enforces air emissions by permitted sources (industrial permitted sources and permitted outdoor burning) but not indoor air quality. Norvell said the Vanderburgh County Health Department typically regulates indoor air-quality concerns and that the building commission and code enforcement would need to be involved if property access or building code violations exist.
“We regulate air quality as far as enforcing air emissions from permitted sources, like factories and dry cleaners,” Norvell said. “We don't regulate indoor air quality whatsoever, and that's where this is coming from.”
Norvell said staff will follow up with the building commission and the county health department, collect Freeman’s contact information and review the photos and meter readings he provided. She encouraged Freeman to keep documentation and told him staff would investigate who has jurisdiction and next steps.
Why it matters: A resident reported potential exposure to combustion products affecting household members. Staff said multiple agencies may have overlapping or unclear jurisdiction and that the city will coordinate follow-up.
Next steps: Staff to gather Freeman’s documentation, consult building commission, code enforcement and Vanderburgh County Health Department, and report back to Freeman and the board.
