State issues first monetary penalty against Denver pet food plant over stench

DENVER — While the pet food plant in the north part of the city has been operating in the area since the 1930s, complaints from nearby residents continue to compel more government enforcement of odor issues. 

Documents obtained by 9NEWS from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) show an inspector visited the area in October 2023 and found the Nestlé Purina plant “failed to ensure” the number of odor contaminants didn’t exceed state standards. 

The violation resulted in a $7,000 penalty against Nestlé Purina. 

The company signed a “compliance order on consent” document this past July over the violation and agreed to continue working on following state air quality rules. 

CDPHE found the plant violated odor standards in 2022; however, state rules prevent any penalty for a first-time odor violation. 

In 2021, the City of Denver cited the plant for $12,000 for failing to mitigate odor controls. 

RELATED: Attorneys for pet food plant in Denver respond to attempted class action lawsuit over stench

This year’s violation and penalty against the pet food plant comes as two residents have a pending lawsuit against Nestlé Purina, alleging the odor has “diminished property values” in the area. Attorneys for the plaintiffs are attempting to establish class-action status in the case, which they claim could impact 2,000 households in the area.

9NEWS reached out to Nestlé Purina for comment about the violation but did not receive a response. The company did provide a comment earlier this year in response to the lawsuit.  

“Purina is a proud member of the Denver community, and we’ve operated our York Street factory since 1930. Throughout this time, we have remained committed to being the best neighbor we can be, and that won’t change,” a spokesperson wrote in an email to 9NEWS earlier this year. 

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