The local authority in Flemish Brabant municipality of Zaventem has launched an investigation to try and find the source of a foul smell that is causing much irritation to locals in the village of Nossegem. Local residents complain that they can smell what they described as “rotting compost”.
Council launches investigation to find source of foul smell in Flemish Brabant village
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Councilor Tom De Vits (Flemish nationalist) lives in Nossegem. Mr De Vits raised the issue during the last council meeting. He told VRT News that “Nossegem stinks, it’s a simple as that. Sadly, we are often confronted with a very unpleasant smell”.
"As soon as the wind blows from a certain direction we notice the smell. It is as though were are standing next to a bin full of rotting compost. The smell can best be described as a sour, penetrating compost smell. Not really nice if you want to go and sit in your garden”.
As the smell is so dependent on the direction of the wind, Mr De Vits says that he is almost certain that other villages in the area must have noticed it. "I really can’t believe that they don’t have issues with it in Sterrebeek or Kortenberg”.
Not the first time
Councilor De Vits says that this is not the 1st time that Nossegem has had to deal with nuisance from a foul smell. "A few years ago, in 2018, there were also problems. Then a compost processing company nearby turned out to be the culprit."
He doesn’t know it this is the source this time around. "But the similarity is striking. So, I think we should turn our noses in that direction."
Municipal Environment Service on the case
Municipal Alderman Wim Driesen whose responsibilities include the environment told VRT News "Some local residents alerted me. The issue was also raised during the council meeting. I went to Nossegem yesterday and strangely enough I didn’t notice a funny smell. But I will have it looked into”.