A “terrible” smell from an insect production plant is disturbing

Citizens in the Saint-Nicefour sector of Drummondville are complaining of an unbearable smell coming from the Entosystem factory, a few hundred meters from their neighborhood. The company, which produces insects to feed animals, said it was doing everything possible to address the situation.

Entosystem's massive factory to produce black soldier fly larvae from organic matter opens in 2023.

However, it was only this spring that citizens in the area began to complain about foul odors affecting their quality of life.

“In good French, without a place, it's like carrion,” says local resident Yannick Paquet bluntly. “It's a stinking, horrible affair,” said one of his neighbors.

Some citizens of the area gathered before noon on Wednesday to discuss the situation with TVA Novelles.

The company is “open” to discuss.

The company stressed that the factory's chimneys were designed to combat odors, it wrote via email.

However, the company believes this is “the first summer with more significant production.” It also emphasizes the fact that equipment is constantly improving.

“A channel of discussion has been opened with the residents of Saint-Nicefour. Our president, Cedric Provost, will take the matter to heart and will communicate with local residents directly via text message or telephone,” the management mentioned in an exchange of emails.

Odors coming from trucks

At the inauguration of the factory, more than a year ago, the chimneys were praised for helping to treat the stench.

“Chimneys are an important part of our odor management strategy during bioconversion,” the company continues. However, there are still smells generated by trucks coming and going with fruits and vegetables in a rotten state,” she explains.

However, the company says they will do their “maximum”. [les camions] Get them in and out as quickly as possible and close the doors and unload them,” she continued, adding that facility improvements are constantly being studied.

Looking for solutions

The municipal councilor for the targeted sector in Drummondville, Mario Sevigny, is confident that the company is trying to solve the problem.

“Whenever a technical problem arises in any business, there is a resolution process, but it's not always immediate,” he says. You should document the problem so that you can see everything that is going on. I know the intention is right,” analyzed Mr. Sevigny.

Citizen Yannick Pouliot intends to present a petition with 200 names to the next municipal council, collected door-to-door.

Citizens, he said, did not want to leave the company but wanted a quick solution.