Residents of Manville, New Jersey, are experiencing a persistent nuisance from dozens of railcars filled with garbage that have remained on local tracks for approximately five months, leading to foul odors and an increase in insects. The issue, which began in April, has significantly diminished the quality of life for residents, some of whom report feeling embarrassed to invite guests to their homes.
Maribel Restrepo, a resident with a view of the tracks, stated that her family is "hiding in our homes" due to the pervasive smell. She also voiced concerns about the health impacts to the Board of Health on August 18. Despite daily inspections by county officials, the problem has persisted, leading to frustration among residents and local officials. Manville Mayor Richard Onderko expressed his disappointment in June, stating that "Nothing has been done, and it's frustrating."
The railcars are owned by CSX Transportation, a company operating a vast rail network across the United States. In a statement to NJ.com, CSX media director Austin Staton acknowledged working with Mayor Onderko to reduce the time railcars remain stationary and to explore relocation options. A June statement from CSX to News12 explained that the cars were part of "routine interchange operations" at the Manville rail yard. The company cited temporary delays due to an operational change that resulted in some railcars staying in place longer than intended. CSX apologized for the situation, stating, "We understand that extended dwell times, combined with recent heat, may have contributed to odors, and we regret the impact this may have had on nearby residents."