We, the undersigned residents, visitors, and community members of Astoria, Oregon, are calling upon local officials, environmental agencies, and brewery operators to address the persistent and concerning odor emissions occurring in and around the downtown and waterfront areas.

The growing presence of industrial-scale wastewater treatment systems, including BioGill-style digesters, used by breweries and related businesses has led to increasingly strong and unpleasant odors. These emissions often described as swamp-like, sewage-like, or sour have been linked to physical symptoms in some individuals, including nausea, headaches, dizziness, and breathing difficulties.

This is not a complaint about the brewing process itself, but rather a call to action regarding the environmental health effects of poorly managed or inadequately monitored waste treatment systems.

We request the following:

A formal review by DEQ and local health/environmental officials of current brewery wastewater treatment systems in use.

Air quality testing and transparency around what compounds (e.g., VOCs, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) may be present during odor events.
Public accountability and odor mitigation measures for any facilities identified as high-odor emitters.
Clear standards and compliance measures for breweries operating in residential or mixed-use zones.

This petition is not about placing blame, but about promoting health, transparency, and responsible environmental management in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.

Let’s work together to ensure Astoria remains a place where small businesses, residents, and the environment can thrive without sacrificing our clean air and community well-being.