Residents tell Dickinson supervisors that food‑processing residuals and biosolids odors are unbearable; board urges state action

Multiple Dickinson Township residents told the Board of Supervisors at the Nov. 20 meeting that odors from food-processing residuals (FPRs) and biosolids have grown worse in recent years and are affecting their health, property use and daily routines.

Mark Staszko, a resident, said the odor is “out of control” and that he smells what he described as an open pit “365 days a year,” which he told the board has affected his respiratory and mental health. Other residents — including Pete and Sandra Altman, Mike Kennedy, Dan Carroll and Charles Kim — described repeated spreading on nearby fields, manure tracked onto roads and a lingering smell they say can persist for weeks.

Solicitor Christian Miller told the board that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates the handling and land application of biosolids and food-processing residuals and that, under current law and regulation, the township has limited authority to impose new rules. Miller encouraged residents to file Right‑To‑Know requests with DEP, contact their state legislators and collect documentation (journals, photos, water tests) to build a record for regulators and elected officials.

Chairwoman Lorelei Coplen and other supervisors said the township has worked with neighboring municipalities, the county and state representatives on these matters and urged residents to document incidents and pursue state avenues. Coplen said residents can use the complaint form linked on the township website and that well testing can establish baselines for future complaints.

Supervisor Rob Kole told residents he believes more action is needed and said he is committed to pursuing options in the coming year; he also stated that the practice is banned in 48 states, an assertion that was reported in the meeting and remains a claim rather than a legal finding in this transcript.

Residents asked whether spreading must be injected or buried; the board and staff said the appropriate method depends on soil and site conditions and that some large operators have invested in injection equipment but cannot use it everywhere. The board offered next steps: residents should organize, collect evidence, file Right‑To‑Know requests, contact state legislators (several residents named State Rep. Greg Rothman), and request DEP records. Solicitor Miller reiterated that DEP enforcement and state legislative changes are the primary routes for policy change.

The board did not adopt new local regulations at the meeting; supervisors recommended continued resident organization and follow-up with state authorities.

The meeting adjourned at 7:26 P.M.