My name is Kristen Zadroga-Hart and I am a resident of Society Hill/Droyers Point in Jersey City, NJ. I am writing to implore you to help my neighbors and me with an ongoing issue with the rancid smell that wafts across the Hackensack River from the Darling Ingredients animal fat rendering plant in Newark. The smell is often overwhelming and greatly hindering our quality of life. When the smell is present, it is near impossible to have windows open, bring children to the playground or simply go for a walk. The smell of rotting animal carcasses causes headaches and nausea in many residents.

We have been left with no other choice but to appeal to our federal and state officials, as requests for help from local officials have gone unanswered or have resulted in no relief. We understand there has been at least one lawsuit filed in 2019 by the state of New Jersey, which states that Darling has not been complying with its operating permits since 2017. The permits require the company to maintain emission control equipment to prevent these kinds of smells.

The stench is greatly hindering our quality of life, while also possibly impacting people's health. Please help us resolve this environmental justice issue and address the air pollution that is being created by Darling Ingredients.