Umkhumbaan dumpsite identified as source of ‘toxic smell’
An odour affecting Glenwood, Chesterville and surrounding areas has been traced to toxic-smoke fires smouldering at the Umkhumbaan Dumpsite.
A STRONG and persistent odour affecting communities in Ward 33 and neighbouring Ward 65 has been traced to the smouldering Umkhumbaan Dumpsite in Chesterville, according to local officials.
The smell, described by residents as pungent and chemical like, has been the subject of mounting complaints over recent weeks. “It’s just lingering in the air,” a Glenwood resident said. “The worst part is that it’s getting warmer and we don’t know if the odour is toxic or not.”
Another resident said, “The smell is being experienced all over, as far as Manor Gardens. It comes at night when the wind dies and it’s very hectic. We are speaking to some environmental groups to do some air testing, but the dump had all kind of waste so one can only guess that the smell is carrying all kinds of unsavoury chemicals and pollutants.”
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Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher said investigations have narrowed the source of the odour to toxic-smoke fires at the dumpsite. These fires, ignited by hazardous materials buried within the site, have required ongoing intervention by municipal teams.
Neighbouring Ward 65 councillor Samantha Windvogel, who has been engaging with the issue for the past month, released video footage documenting the conditions at the site and residents’ concerns. Her early alerts helped escalate the matter for further municipal action.
Kristopher said multiple teams from various municipal departments are on-site, excavating and hosing down smouldering areas where toxic fumes are being released. Residents are urged to remain patient as teams work to contain and safely dispose of the hazardous waste fuelling the fires.
For community members seeking full, comprehensive reports, Kristopher advised that the documents may be requested directly via email at cllr.frankay@gmail.com.
This article has been amended, Umkhumbane changed to Umkhumbaan.
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