FDEP Request for Dates, Odor Description, and Wind Directions

Good afternoon REDACTED,

I appreciate you keeping us informed with the additional details you’ve provided below.  The specifics on time of day, wind direction, weather conditions, odor descriptions, etc. are all important for us to document while addressing the odor concerns in Zellwood and Tangerine.

For these reasons,  your email communications are very welcomed and anticipated.

Best regards.

Maria Repass

Citizen Services Coordinator

Environmental Protection Division

Compliance and Waste Management Section

3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200

Orlando, Florida 32803

Office:  407-836-1468

Fax:  407-836-1499

Email:  EPDComplaints@ocfl.net 

Web:  www.ocepd.org

From: REDACTED
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2020, 11:05 AM
To: EPD Complaints; Repass, Maria L; Mayor; Roby, Elizabeth J; phil.kane@dep.state.fl.us; Kathy Marsh; sean.bailey@ocfl.net; Testerman, Chris; District2, Mail; Vanegas, Daniel; Weiss, Jon; Gardner, Ashley; Spivey, Robert; maurice.barker@dep.state.fl.us; Jones, David - Envir. Protection; Campbell, Bradley; Moreau, Jennifer C; Prinsell, Joel; Hartigan, Erin E

Subject: 19-555292 The smell in Tangerine and Zellwood

Greetings,

As you know, Tangerine is experiencing an onslaught of noxious odors. This morning there is a noxious odor in the air again. I believe that it's coming in from the southeast of my home on Lake Ola today. I know that some of you are working on discovering the causes of these intermittent odors and, in the case of Shelley's Septic Tanks, dealing with multiple code violations. Anuvia is supposed to be doing something to contain their odors as well. I appreciate all that you are doing. 

I understand that Shelley's Septic Tanks has contracts with multiple municipalities to take in their waste. I'm not understanding why we have to suffer the consequences of Daytona Beach's (as an example) sewage waste being processed in our backyard. Of course, Shelley's isn't the only culprit in the case. Anuvia, Mid-Florida Materials Dump, and possibly others are part of this problem as well, to a greater or lesser degree. 

I understand that the wheels of science and justice take time but I want you to know that these horrible odors are affecting the quality of our lives. I was planning to work in my yard today but now I won't be able to due to the odor. I have a cold and the noxious gases causing the odor is making me cough. Some of us have pets and on occasion, they refuse to go outside to do their business due to the disagreeable smells. A neighbor had a wedding in her backyard this past weekend. Luckily for her, there was no stench that day. We shouldn't have to try to plan our lives around smells that come from businesses that are not controlling the noxious gases they release into the air. 

I'm sure that you're wondering why you're getting so many e-mails about this matter. In the past, we just complained to each other. Now that the problem is getting exponentially worse, we have to be heard. When searching online for references to the smell, I saw a mention by Orange County Public Schools as they were seeking a new location. Their report said that they couldn't find any complaints about the smell. Our e-mails serve as documentation that there is a problem  

Please keep us, the residents of Tangerine and surrounding neighborhoods, in mind as you work on finding solutions to this situation. 

I also ask that you keep us, the residents nearby, up to date on what you are doing about this. 

Again, I appreciate the efforts that are being made to fix this problem. 

Best regards,

REDACTED

PLEASE NOTE: Florida has a very broad public records law (F. S. 119).
All e-mails to and from County Officials are kept as a public record.
Your e-mail communications, including your e-mail address may be
disclosed to the public and media at any time.