Odor concerns slow industrial project

YOUNGSTOWN — Concerned about environmental issues and a possible bad odor, city council members aren’t willing to approve an economic incentive package for a business planning to build an industrial wastewater treatment facility.

Council’s public utilities committee met today with North Star Disposal Services officials to discuss the proposed $1.7 million project.

Committee members want to be sure the proposed facility won’t create unpleasant odors.

While North Star would be located in the Ohio Works Business Park, near Division Street, it’s about a half-mile from residential neighborhoods.

Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th and chairwoman of council’s public utilities committee, said more information is needed before council could approve the proposal.

Youngstown officials will contact elected officeholders in three communities in western Pennsylvania that have similar treatment facilities operated by Hart Resource Technologies to check for odor problems, Rimedio-Righetti said.

Hart and D&L Energy Group are partners in North Star Disposal.

“There shouldn’t be any smell,” said Ben Lupo, D&L’s owner.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com