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Residents press for DEM action after persistent asphalt odors near West Davisville
Summary
Residents reported persistent ash/asphalt odors near West Davisville they attribute to a Bichimar asphalt operation; DEM committed to a compliance inspection and the company agreed to host a community forum April 30.
North Kingstown residents pressed elected officials Wednesday for faster action after repeated complaints about a strong asphalt or ash smell in West Davisville. Residents said the odor has recurred over the past month and that it was identified at a town meeting earlier in March.
Council officials said they had contacted the company in question (referred to at the meeting as Bichimar) and that the Department of Environmental Management had been asked to investigate. Senator DiMario and other delegation members said DEM committed to a full compliance inspection and to deploy odor‑monitoring mechanisms. DiMario also said officials were exploring whether an additive used at another Rhode Island asphalt plant had reduced odor complaints there.
Multiple residents recounted smelling asphalt on International Drive and described ongoing nuisance and potential health impacts. Town leaders said Bichimar had agreed to host a community forum in North Kingstown on April 30 to present information and answer questions. Town and state representatives said they would share DEM findings when available and urged residents to use official town channels for updates.
