Last October, several residents in Irwindale, California complained to city officials that the smell of the Sriracha plant was overwhelming. The residents claimed that the fumes from the factory made their eyes water and caused headaches and other mild irritations. The case was brought before a judge, who ordered the plant to make changes in order to curb the offensive fumes. The plant was allowed to stay and continue production, despite the complaints.
Offers to Move
Several communities, including some in Texas, have offered the Sriracha plant a home free from the protests of complaining residents. However, the company CEO David Tran refuses to move. He explained that the plant was founded in California and has been in the state for about 35 years and he has no desire to move it.
The plant employs about 70 workers, with about 200 seasonal employees coming through during the harvest season for the hybrid jalepenos that are used to make Sriracha. The removal of the factory would hurt the community of Irwindale, and many residents are glad that Tran has made his stand. Supporters of the factory criticize the complaining residents, saying that a runny nose and watery eyes are a small price to pay for the good that the factory does for the community. The fumes coming from the factory share many of the same components of pepper spray, however, so residents may have a valid complaint, especially during peak seasons. What do you think? Overly sensitive residents or a public nuisance by the factory?