Something smells fishy: Odour at lobster shell recycling plant angers residents

A factory in Richibucto that recycles lobster shells has been receivingcomplaints about smell andair quality from people who live in the area.

Omera Shells Inc. is acrustacean shell drying facility andhas been operating in the area for the past two years.

The plant grinds, heats and processes old lobster shells and shrimp skins, turning the remains into a powder. The powder is laterexported to Asia, where it's used as in the bio-medical industry and as a fertilizer.

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Yvon Belanger lives down the road from the plantand saidthe strong fishy smellis unbearable.

"We can't live a normal life here," he said.

Belangerhas troublebreathing andthe scent makes his health issues worse.

Hesaid his neighbours alsohad trouble selling their home, while othershave had buyers back out because of the "nauseating smell."

He said the smell comes from both the shipments of shells coming from seafood producers to the plant, as well as from the process itself.

Finding a solution

FernandGaudet, spokesperson with OmeraShells, said the companyis aware of the odour.

They've hired a company to analyze the air, identify the stinky molecules, and figure out a way to neutralize them.

They're also looking into installing a taller stack that would help eliminate any wafting scents from the plant.

In the meantime, he's hoping residents can be patientas the company finds its bearings.

"We're just asking for the patience of the community, it's on the verge of happening, we've been working on it," Gaudetsaid.

He saidthe presence ofOmeraShells is a positive thing for the people ofRichibuctobecause it will bring employment and boost the economy through its exports.The plant employs about 12people.

"It would help the business if they could be patient a little bit so we can grow this business and pretty soon we'll have three or four shifts employing 40 to 50 people," Gaudet said.

Mayor weighs in

RichibuctoMayor Roger Doiron saidthe tradeoffisn't worth it.

"We are interested in jobs but not at any cost," Doiron said.

Residents have asked him multiple times to close down the plant but Doiron saidhis hands are tied, asOmera Shells received federal and provincial approvals to operate.

"We don't have the authority because the permit was not given by the town," he said.