Introduction to the Problem
For more than a decade, residents around a Far Southeast Side vegetable oil processing plant have complained about nauseating smells they say are redolent of sewage, vomit or even a rotting carcass. They complain about not being able to spend time in their backyards, in a nearby park or at home with the windows open. The culprit, they say, is Pullman Innovations at 2701 E. 100th St. The business refines vegetable oils for use in chicken feed at farms that source eggs for the Dutch Farms brand.
The Class Action Lawsuit
In December, around 2,400 households were sent notice of a class action lawsuit seeking an undetermined cash settlement over the putrid smells. The lawsuit in Circuit Court of Cook County covers people who lived around the plant since 2018. The nearby residents will be part of the class action unless they choose to opt out by this Friday. For Oscar Ortega, the lawsuit’s lead plaintiff, he can’t take walks in his neighborhood, drive with a window open or invite friends over for backyard cookouts. “I just couldn’t stand it anymore,” he said in an interview.
Representation and Boundaries
Lawyers with Liddle Sheets in Detroit and Marshall P. Whalley & Associates of Crown Point, Indiana, are representing the residents. Those people who take part in the class action will be precluded from suing the business on their own. The residential boundaries are roughly East 95th Street on the north and East 105th Street on the south and west of the Calumet River.
A house is located a few blocks away from Pullman Innovations, a source of numerous smell complaints on the Far Southeast Side.
History of Complaints
The history of complaints goes back years. Some residents previously told the Sun-Times that they thought the plant’s change in ownership in 2016 would make a difference. The previous owner, Agri-Fine, racked up multiple violations and was sued by then-Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. A Pullman official told the Sun-Times in 2023 that some odor controls were in place and more would be coming. Earlier this month, the state disclosed that Pullman was seeking a permit to install equipment to “improve reduction” of some plant emissions. Company officials didn’t respond to requests for comment about the lawsuit.
Resident Experiences
Anna Johnson lives about three blocks from Pullman Innovations and said she plans to take part in the class action. Johnson said the smells were particularly intense just before Christmas. Even with the windows closed, the odor is so strong she said she has to spray air freshener and burn incense. “It’s not the money,” Johnson said. “We want to live a comfortable life. We would really like them gone.”
Conclusion
The situation with Pullman Innovations has been an ongoing issue for residents in the area, affecting their quality of life and comfort in their own homes. The class action lawsuit represents a significant step towards addressing these concerns and seeking compensation for the distress caused. As the deadline for opting out of the lawsuit approaches, residents must decide how they want to proceed in their quest for a resolution to the horrible smells that have plagued their community for so long.
FAQs
- Q: What is the source of the horrible smells complained about by Southeast Side residents?
A: The source of the smells is attributed to Pullman Innovations, a vegetable oil processing plant located at 2701 E. 100th St. - Q: How can residents find more information about the class action lawsuit?
A: For more information about the lawsuit, residents can visit https://www.lsccounsel.com/pullman or call 800 536-0045. - Q: What is the deadline for residents to opt out of the class action lawsuit?
A: The deadline for opting out of the lawsuit is this Friday. - Q: What are the boundaries for residents eligible to be part of the class action lawsuit?
A: The residential boundaries are roughly East 95th Street on the north and East 105th Street on the south and west of the Calumet River.
