Air Quality

Overview

In response to local concerns, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection conducted a multi-year data collection study to measure the levels of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) emanating from agricultural properties at multiple locations within the Township. 

The purpose of the study was to commission the collected data into a Letter Health Consultation report, primarily generated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, to assess the potential health impact of the measured levels of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in New Garden Township and inform the community.

On March 21st, 2024, state representatives from the Departments of Environmental Protection, Agriculture, and Health hosted a Special Meeting located at New Garden Township to summarize the findings of the air quality study and provide a Q&A session.

The recorded live stream of that meeting is available at the following link:  PA DEP Air Quality Special Meeting.

As part of a separate air quality monitoring project, New Garden Township commissioned an independent review of the issue in partnership with West Chester University.  On September 4th, 2024, the research team from WCU along with representation from the American Mushroom Institute (AMI) hosted a Special Meeting located at New Garden to summarize the findings of the air quality study and provide a Q&A session.

The recorded live stream of that meeting is available at the following link:  WCU Air Quality Special Meeting


Report the Issue

DEP Environmental Complaint Hotline – 866-255-5158


H2S Studies and Reports

PA Department of Health

West Chester University

Other

Announcements

  • Agricultural Conservation Research Fund Announcement
    • An announcement by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding on a $1.5 million funding opportunity for research to develop innovative solutions that farmers can implement, including emissions from the mushroom industry, and best mitigation practices that apply to Pennsylvania operations.
    • The Following CRF Awards were announced in Summer 2024:
      • American Mushroom Institute – $220,000 – Chester County 
        • Air quality study on a Chester County mushroom farm
        • Project builds on earlier research to determine the impacts of concentrated mushroom production in the county where nearly 60% of mushrooms in the U.S. are produced.
      • West Chester University – $157,000 – Chester County 
        • Identifying and quantifying nuisance emissions sources in the mushroom industry in PA
        • Project seeks to measure environmental and other impacts of concentrated mushroom production in the county where nearly 60% of mushrooms in the U.S. are produced.
  • New Garden Park Air Quality Monitor
    • New Garden Township and the PA Department of Environmental Protection have agreed to locate an air quality monitor in New Garden Park for the purposes of long term H2S emissions monitoring in the vicinity of Starr Rd, in proximity to nearby composting facilities that are the source of the H2S issue. 
  • AMI Update on Status of Grant Funded Study
    • The following is a statement provided by the American Mushroom Institute as of June 2025 regarding the update of their grant-funded study:
      • "The Mushroom Industry is cautiously optimistic about new tools on the market it has assessed to be adaptable to mushroom composting operations. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is funding some of the work to assess and pilot required operations adjustments and outcomes. Apart from that, the industry's own investment in these new tools will total in the millions, including start-up costs as high as $2 million for some farms, and significant ongoing annual expenses across the industry. We are working with our state and federal legislators to secure available grant dollars to fill funding gaps and expedite the start up timeline to the extent possible.  As we work to identify the most effective solutions, we are grateful for the continued understanding of our townships and communities, and remain confident these investments will yield long-term benefits for all."