Residents of Bécancour have been reporting for several weeks that they have been plagued by persistent and unpleasant smells. The city of Bécancour and the Ministry of the Environment confirm that the smells come from Fromagerie L'Ancêtre and are trying to correct the situation.
Natalie Bérubé has lived on the Godefroy estate for 20 years. For several weeks she has noticed an unpleasant smell in her neighborhood and surrounding area. “It smells really strong, it smells like sewage,” she said.
The observation is the same for many people driving in the area, including on Highway 55.
“Several of us are talking about it,” Ms. Bérubé said. We agree. We say: “My God! We didn't have that before!” She regretted that she often had to limit her outdoor activities. She has taken steps with the Ministry of the Environment and is now filling out odor questionnaires so they can identify the problem.
The Ministry of the Environment is following the matter closely but does not wish to grant an interview on the matter at this time. He responded in writing that an inspection carried out on November 23 confirmed that “the odors in Bécancour, near the Laviolette Bridge, came from the wastewater treatment system of Fromagerie L'Ancêtre Inc..” According to the company, a failure of the measuring equipment resulted “The components of the system were out of balance, which led to the development of odors.”
The defective device was apparently replaced on December 7th. The ministry is still evaluating the data collected in November to find out whether there have been any violations of environmental legislation. If this is the case, he will evaluate the measures to be taken.
The city of Bécancour has received complaints from its citizens and would like to meet with the company. “We are taking steps with them because it is certain that the situation is currently unacceptable,” said Mayor Lucie Allard. “We should meet this week if all of this is confirmed and the city is also taking steps to stop all of this and improve it.”
Fromagerie L'Ancêtre declined our interview request. General Manager Pascal Désilets prefers to meet with the city before answering questions from TVA Nouvelles. However, by telephone, Mr Désilets reiterated that the company was “doing what is necessary to keep the situation under control”.
For her part, Natalie Bérubé hopes that the matter will be resolved in order to regain her quality of life. “As quickly as possible so that we have clean air!” she clarified.