BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection this week investigated a strong, bad smell permeating through the city and surrounding areas — and found its source.
“DEP’s investigation determined Spray-Tek to be the odor source,” agency spokesperson Colleen Connolly said in an email. “DEP is working with Spray-Tek to ensure they resolve the issue.
“No malodor violations have been issued at this time.”
Over the past few days, Lehigh Valley residents have complained of a bad smell wafting through the city. Residents have described the scent as a rotting smell.
The DEP received approximately six or seven complaints, Connolly said. The agency on Monday deployed a specialist from the department’s air quality program.
LehighValleyNews.com has reached out to Spray-Tek for comment.
This is not the first time Spray-Tek, 3010 Avenue B, has been found to be the cause of odors in the Lehigh Valley.
In September 2022, the spray-drying services company was cited after residents complained of a sweet smell permeating through northwest city neighborhoods.
The violation stated that the emissions were observed off site and confirmed to have originated from Spray-Tek’s property, according to previous reports. Additionally, a spray dryer was installed and operated on the facility without a plan approval from the DEP.
A few weeks ago, residents say a strong "super glue-type smell" also was noticeable in the area.
Spray-Tek works with pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, flavors and fragrances, soft chemicals and cosmetics, according to its website.
The company has a facility in New Jersey and one in Wisconsin, in addition to its Bethlehem location.