Residents not satisfied by air tests

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Department of Environmental Conservation says new tests prove the air around Hillcrest Industries is safe. However, Attica residents aren't convinced. They turned out in big numbers Wednesday night, demanding answers over that obnoxious odor.

Attica residents got angry Wednesday night at a village board meeting. They don't think the DEC's seven page report is accurate, they think the stink in Attica is making them sick.

Angry Attica residents demanded more answers. One resident said, “Is the DEC not giving us an honest report, because they don't know what to do with the problem.”

Residents still think the foul chemical smell believed to be coming from Hillcrest Industries’ recycling is creating health problems in the area.

Attica resident Jacquie Hiczewski said, “My son has been sick since January. This is the third lung infection he has had. I can't sit here and let let him keep getting sicker. I just need something to be done.”

One Attica Resident said, “We need to have a big forum up at that high school with you, the DEC, the EPA. People need to stand up and we need to get answers, because we're not getting answers.”

The DEC insists the odors pose no health risk. However the agency says that some may suffer from acute health symptoms like headaches, nausea or coughing.

Residents are waiting for the Environmental Protection Agency to release their results, they could come within days.