ST. MARY'S, Newfoundland — The persistent, nauseating odor that has plagued the small community of St. Mary's, Newfoundland, for two decades is finally being addressed. Cleanup crews have officially begun the arduous process of removing a massive stockpile of rotting fish sauce from an abandoned processing plant, marking the end of a long-standing environmental and public nuisance.

The pungent situation began 20 years ago when the plant, which had been processing fish, ceased operations, leaving behind significant quantities of product that eventually spoiled. For years, the town has dealt with the overwhelming scent that permeated the local air, becoming a source of frustration for residents and a long-standing point of contention for local officials.

Local authorities and contractors have now mobilized to remove the decades-old material. While the cleanup is expected to take time, the commencement of the project has been met with relief by the local population. The effort involves safely transporting the hazardous, decaying liquid out of the community, finally allowing St. Mary's to move past its unfortunate olfactory reputation.

"It’s been a long time coming," local observers noted as the first loads of the spoiled sauce were trucked away. The removal process is being carefully monitored to ensure that the disposal is handled in an environmentally responsible manner.

For the people of St. Mary's, the removal of the fish sauce is more than just a cleanup; it is the closing of a painful chapter, restoring a sense of normalcy to their daily lives.

Source: AP News