On Tuesday, at a Bethlehem City Council meeting, residents raised concerns about odors from a Spray-Tek factory in west Bethlehem and trash along the Sand Island Trailhead.
Council later approved seven budget amendments, including additional funding for snow removal, sewer utilities and a grant for the fire department. It also approved reductions in allocations for water works and liquid fuels.
Council members also approved a permit for Plantfest, hosted by Wicket Botanist, and a resolution calling for an accessibility audit.
Spray-Tek
Spray-Tek is a manufacturer specializing in spray drying, microencapsulation and ingredient processing for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and personal care industries, according to the company’s website.
Its factory in west Bethlehem is under scrutiny from residents who say it releases strong odors into the air. The smell comes from a spray-drying process that converts liquids into powders, according to ScienceDirect.
West Bethlehem resident George Andrews said the odor makes it difficult to breathe for extended periods of time.
“It’s there for the whole day, even if they let it out at 4:30 (p.m.), in the morning you can’t use your patio to have a cup of coffee,” Andrews said. “You can’t take the dog for a walk.”
Andrews, along with Isabelle, another Bethlehem resident, said the issue has persisted for four years. They said they and their neighbors have contacted the company and the Environmental Protection Agency, but no action has been taken.
Isabelle said the Bethlehem facility has previously been cited for illegal emissions and permit violations. She said the last time she spoke about the issue her daughter was 6 months old and is now 4.
According to Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Agency records, the most recent violation at the Bethlehem facility occurred in 2022. The company has also been cited for air pollution at facilities in Middlesex, New Jersey, in 2025 and Beloit, Wisconsin, in 2024.
Laura Collins, director of community and economic development, said the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for addressing the issue and that the city has limited authority.
She said the Spray-Tek facility operates under a permit issued in 2014 that prohibits the release of “malodorous air contaminants.”
“What we could do is have our team reach out to (Department of Environmental Protection), in the same way the residents do, but have it come from the city and we can check in on the status of these permits,” Collins said. “Are the permits active? Have they (the Department of Environmental Protection) been out, have they monitored (the air quality)? What are the remedies that they are pursuing under that authority?”
Collins said the facility could still be in compliance with air quality regulations if emissions remain below certain thresholds.
She provided residents with contact information for Pennsylvania state senators, who may have more influence over the Department of Environmental Protection, but said she and council members will continue outreach efforts.
“We want to grow (Bethlehem), but we don’t want to grow a smelly city,” Isabelle said.
Sand Island Trash
Bethlehem resident Brandon Horlick said during public comment that while hiking the Sand Island Trail with his daughter, they were “disturbed” by the amount of trash in the creek, canal and the Lehigh River.
Micheal Alkhal, director of public works, said the city hired a contractor two years ago to clean up the area.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for garbage to return,” Alkhal said.
Alkhal said the issue is regularly discussed in Department of Public Work’s meetings. The city has installed trash cans along the trail and works with volunteer groups, but he said it remains “almost impossible” to keep the area clean.
Collins said the city previously placed a dumpster near Norfolk Southern Railroad property, where an encampment of unhoused people had been located, to help with waste collection.
On Dec. 15, the encampment was removed by Bethlehem police at the request of the railroad company.
“As a result of Norfolk Southern moving folks, there’s an evaluation process of trying to understand where people are and what services and needs people are having in these locations,” Collins said. “Community connections are going down, but we’re just starting to understand these additional needs, including trash in different areas.”
Horlick said he wants to ensure the environment is protected and that measures are in place, so litter doesn’t define the area.
“(The conversation) should really be about how beautiful it is down there (on Sand Island), how lucky we are to have this resource right here in our backyard,” Horlick said.
Other topics discussed
City Council member Micheal Colón asked Alkhal whether rising gas prices could require adjustments to the city budget.
“It’s too early to tell,” Alkhal said. “After a couple months, we might be going to council for some transfers for gas, fire and EMS vehicles.”
He also said the city purchases gas in bulk for 50 cents per gallon, so unless higher prices persist for several months, it’s unlikely the $2 million gas budget will need to increase.
City council member Brian Callahan raised concerns about food trucks operating on Lehigh’s campus. He said local restaurants have complained that the trucks are drawing business away from establishments on Fourth Street.
Collins said the Department of Community and Economic Development issues permits for food trucks at festivals, such as Musikfest, or for operation on private property. She said there’s no ordinance allowing for food trucks elsewhere in the city.
“I’ve been railing against (Lehigh) for a while about the amount of services that they use from the city without paying taxes,” Callahan said. “Now they’re taking away business from established businesses and restaurants on the South Side.”
During the “other business” portion of the meeting, council member Colleen Laird said she hopes to improve accessibility by increasing microphone sensitivity at future meetings. Council President Rachel Leon also addressed insensitive comments made during public comment.
“I want to reiterate that just because something is allowed under constitutional rights doesn’t mean that I, as a council president, agree with what is being said,” she said. “When we’re getting right against the line, make sure that we are addressing it when it gets crossed.”
The next city council meeting is scheduled for April 21. The agenda will be posted the Friday prior to the meeting on the Bethlehem City Council website.
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