The Purina Plant Stinks! But Is It a Health Concern?

Ask any Denverite about the stinkiest spot in the city, and for more than 90 years the answer has been clear: The Purina pet food plant in Elyria-Swansea. But in the last six months or so, odor complaints have spiked. So what can be done? Science reporter Trish Zornio looked into the science of bad smells for the GES Gazette, and she’s on today with host Bree Davies to talk about the health implications of the Purina plant’s smell, the challenge of effective odor monitoring, and how the smell fits into north Denver’s gentrification story. 

If you want to submit an odor complaint about the Purina plant (or any other stinky spot in the city), you can fill out this form or send an email to 311@denvergov.org. 

What do you think are Denver’s signature smells? Apart from the Purina plant, we are putting together a definitive list of Denver smells — good, bad or just plain Denver — and we want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your smell on the show: 720-500-5418‬

The Denver Post reported on the pilot project Gregg Thomas mentioned a couple years ago. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

• Join a Volo Sports league today!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices