Denver, known as the Mile High City due to its elevation, is a unique city that offers its citizens and visitors a wide range of experiences that one may not find anywhere else. However, with the good comes the bad. One of the bad – the smell.
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment monitors and controls the odor emitted by different sources like factories, food processing plants, and Marijuana dispensaries. Denver’s odor ordinance indicates that the odor nuisance is in the City’s jurisdiction. Despite the stringent rules, some businesses have repeatedly failed to comply with the regulations.
Many complaints have been filed regarding the Nestle Purina plant located at 4555 York St. Citizens living near the area have complained about the strong pet food odor emanating from the factory, which has resulted in a significant inconvenience. The smell is so strong that some people living in the area cannot even stay outside and have had to close their windows. The situation has become so bad that a removal petition requests the plant to be closed.
An odor control plan is required for all businesses that emit odors exceeding acceptable limits. The program is expected to help reduce the scent, making it more bearable for those nearby. As long as there are no further complaints, businesses with emission problems will not face any penalties. Denver Environmental Health will review and suggest changes once a company submits its odor control plan.
Marijuana dispensaries are the second-highest contributors to complaints in Denver. While the Purina plant has the most significant number of complaints, other businesses have also received multiple complaints from residents. Many residents have filed complaints, stating that the smell is too strong and unpleasant for those closest to the dispensary.
The marijuana shops have not faced the kind of backlash that the Purina plant has faced. This is primarily because marijuana has been legalized in Colorado, and the shops are not responsible for the cleanliness achieved outside their properties. Moreover, many people believe that the pungent smell of marijuana enhances their overall experience in Denver.
The smell can be everywhere in the City, from the streets of downtown to the surrounding neighborhoods. The City and its citizens must continue working together to improve Denver’s smell. While odor control measures are in place, citizens can also help by calling in complaints about bad-smelling areas.
The smell should be fine if you consider visiting Denver. While there are moments when the smell can be unavoidable, most of the time, one can enjoy all that Denver has to offer without worrying too much.
If you want to submit a complaint, you can call 720-913-1311 or send an email to 311@denvergov.org.
The DDPHE said that every complaint will be investigated once it is received.
