Residents from Hills Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods urged the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 20 to act after weeks of noxious smoke they say comes from Ransons Nursery.

“My home is filled with this toxic smoke,” said Ethel Frederick, who said she has had to turn off her heating system and use electric heaters because smoke from the site infiltrates her house. Several speakers, including Rod Gordon and Lord Hill, described headaches, coughing and aggravated asthma among neighbors and asked the county to seek a remedy.

Joye Galton read portions of DEQ guidance and asked the board to clarify what materials are being burned and whether commercial clearing and hauling are taking place. Speakers urged alternatives such as chipping, composting or hauling debris to reduce smoke.

Supervisor Paul Lee told residents the county attorney, county administration and staff are reviewing current ordinances and enforcement options and are coordinating with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. “We are working closely with DEQ,” Lee said, and said staff had held a conference call the same evening to pursue possible action and to consider ordinance changes to prevent recurrence.

The board took no new regulatory action at the meeting; Lee said staff would continue investigations and consider drafting ordinance revisions. Residents said they want quick mitigation given a new school and outdoor recreation facilities nearby.

What’s next: county staff said they will continue working with DEQ and review local code enforcement options; residents were encouraged to continue reporting incidents to county and state environmental authorities.