Watch CBS News

German Twp. Residents Believe Marcellus Shale Waste Causing Stench At Landfill

McCLELLANDTOWN (KDKA) – It was a beautiful fall day in German Township, Fayette County, but residents living near the Advanced Disposal landfill can't enjoy it.

"You can't open the windows," said resident David Winker. "Some days it's so bad you can't stand it outside."

Winkler has lived on McClellandtown Road for nearly 30 years. But it wasn't until about three years ago that the problem started.

"Methane, rotten eggs smell, something that I've never smelled anywhere else in my life," said Winkler.

Residents believe Marcellus Shale waste is being dumped at the landfill and is causing the stench.

"Dead fish, dead bodies, sulfur, it smells like rotten eggs; you name it, anything sour," said Dottie Koast, another German Township resident.

On Thursday night, about 40 people living in the area attended a meeting with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to discuss the problem and possible solutions.

It was organized by Pa. Rep. Tim Mahoney.

In a statement, he said: "Our main concern is public health and safety. If there is a problem, we are going to find the problem. We will not run from it."

The DEP has agreed to bring in a mobile lab to make sure the air quality in German Township is safe.

The Bureau of Deep Mining Safety will also bring in a mobile lab to try and locate the actual source of the problem.

RELATED LINKS
More Fayette County news
More Trina Orlando

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.