Odor releases from the Diageo rum distillery have plagued the neighboring communities since the plant opened in the winter of 2011. EPA has responded to several odor complaints from the communities surrounding the plant. On June 1, 2011 while in St Croix on other EPA business, EPA OSC Rosoff was notified by the VI DPNR of odor complaints coming from citizens in Estate Profit across the Melvin Evans Highway from Diageo. EPA OSC Rosoff responded to the site and experienced putrid organic odors in the community that appeared to by emanating from Diageo. EPA visited the Diageo facility and met with the Vice President, Dan Kirby. OSC Rosoff learned that odors associated with an uncovered biosolids tank were believed to be the cause of the odor releases. Odor control measures were discussed as well as the implementation of a community relations plan. Diageo agreed to implement measures to cover the bio solids tank by the end of June 2011. these measures were put in place by june 30, 2011. While immediate improvements were noted by the community, odors from other sources emenating from the facility continue to cause quality of life impacts to local residents.
