A recurring smell strong enough to turn stomachs has at least one New Britain Borough resident looking for answers.
During the final public comment period at the July 8 council meeting, a resident told borough officials that an intermittent odor resembling "burnt garlic" has been wafting through parts of the borough at various times of day and evening. The resident called the smell "kind of nauseating" and said it was initially alarming enough to suggest a problem with their own home's sewer line before they determined it appeared to be coming from somewhere else.
Members of the council suggested the Chalfont-New Britain Township Joint Sewage Authority wastewater treatment plant at 1645 Upper State Road as a likely source, saying the odor may drift into the borough when winds blow in a certain direction.
Council took no formal action on the complaint. Borough officials did not discuss any known operational issues at the treatment facility, according to reporting by Central Bucks Now.
No response from the sewage authority
The Chalfont-New Britain Township Joint Sewage Authority has not publicly addressed the odor complaint. The original reporting did not indicate whether the authority was contacted for comment.
New Britain Township's official website notes that the township does not provide water or sewer services and directs residents to contact their service provider directly for any issues.
How residents can report the odor
Residents who notice the smell can contact the sewage authority at 215-345-1225 or by email at [email protected].
Complaints can also be directed to Borough Manager John W. Wolff at 215-348-4586 or [email protected] at the municipal office, 45 Keeley Avenue.
What's next
The next regular New Britain Borough Council meeting is Wednesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. at Burkart Hall, 56 Keeley Avenue. Meetings are streamed live on the borough's YouTube channel. Residents who want the issue addressed formally can raise it during public comment at that meeting or contact Council President Tom Price through the borough office beforehand.
