New Report from Georgia Links Treatment Plant, Illnesses in Fulton County

By Christy Burns

Published on November 01, 2006

The DHR study says that the chemical exposure is likely linked to PSC Recovery Systems, a water treatment plant in the small town of Fairburn. Since June 2006, citizens of the town have been contacting authorities about a gaseous odor coming from the plant. The odor, officials now say, has resulted in the sickening of hundreds of residents and even the deaths of some family pets. Some locals also claim that wildlife such as birds and other small creatures are dying for no apparent reason.

Despite orders from the state’s Environmental Protection Division that PSC Recovery Systems halt shipments of contaminated water, the foul smell – and related health problems – continue. The plant, however, claims it is complying with the EPD and denies that the odor can be linked to any health hazards.

In the DHR study, nearly 100 percent of the 622 residents surveyed reported experiencing a range of symptoms, including chronic headaches, burning eyes, nausea, difficulty breathing, and coughs or sore throats.

At this time, PSC Recovery Systems has been fined $100,000 for violations related to the odor.

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