Feedback Earth hit with $9,520 penalty by MassDEP for odor issue

The stench produced by Feedback Earth, Inc. has proved to be a costly mistake.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection assessed a $9,520 penalty to the Creeper Hill company for violations of the air pollution control and solid waste regulations. Inspections by MassDEP personnel revealed that the company has generated off-site odors on multiple occasions in late 2021 and early 2022. The company also failed to comply with other requirements in the air permit and the food waste conversion permit, including improper storage of food waste outdoors.

The company creates high-quality animal feed out of food waste. A type made by roasting tofu and soy by-products created a far-reaching odor described as “rotting cheese” or “vomit” by North Grafton residents.

Under the terms of a settlement agreement, the company will pay a $9,520 penalty and will carry out a number of actions to prevent future violations, including establishing an independent 24-hour odor reporting hotline and retaining a third-party odor consultant to promptly investigate all off-site odor complaints.  

“Companies that engage in activities with the potential to create odors must be diligent in complying with environmental permits” said Mary Jude Pigsley, Director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. “This enforcement action requires FeedBack Earth, Inc. to take actions to prevent future odors and also to ensure that all of its compliance obligations are being met.”

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