New Garden Air Quality Study
Residents are invited to view the full study and results and may submit health complaints online or by phone.
Rep. Christina Sappey April 3, 2024 | 9:14 AM
The PA Departments of Health, Environmental Protection and Agriculture recently held a public meeting in New Garden Township to present the findings of an air quality study conducted in the township. Residents attended in person and virtually to learn about the results of the study, which measured hydrogen sulfide in the air. This study was done in response to a request from my office after residents complained of significant metal corrosion on their properties and health concerns possibly originating from mushroom farming and composting sites in the area.
The study found that the highest hourly levels of hydrogen sulfide may have led to short-term respiratory effects in sensitive individuals, those with asthma for example, in Landenberg and West Grove. The PA DOH reported that longer exposure to hydrogen sulfide is unlikely to lead to long-term health effects. The highest hydrogen sulfide levels at monitoring sites were reported to occur on Tuesdays and Fridays, and were highest during the midnight to early-morning hours during the fall season. According to the Department, hydrogen sulfide does not cause the corrosion residents reported.
At the meeting, the PA Department of Health stated they would consider data currently being collected in a separate study being done by West Chester University and New Garden Township at the conclusion of that study.
The PA Department of Agriculture pledged to work with residents, townships, elected officials and the mushroom industry to update best management practices, which have not been updated in numerous years, to address all environmental and health concerns.
I will continue to work with these state agencies to ensure the safety of all of our residents, workforce, the environment and industries. This county is the best place to live in the entire commonwealth, so any action taken has to work for all of us.
You can view the full study and results here and here.
Residents can submit health complaints online here or by calling 717-787-3350.
Residents with environmental concerns should contact the Department of Environmental Protection at 484-250-5900.