TEMPLE, Texas — Homeowners living near the Niagara Bottling plant in Temple say a powerful, foul odor has hung over their neighborhood for years — and they worry nothing will change unless the city steps in.

Residents along Moores Mill Road say the smell is so strong and persistent that it has made some people nauseous and, at times, unable to enjoy their yards or spend time outside. They believe the odor began shortly after the plant was built just feet from several homes.

One of those residents, Jadee McLerran, said the stench is impossible to ignore.

“It literally turns your stomach,” McLerran said. “Rotting flesh, rotten garlic, all in a septic system — the most stomach-turning thing you’ve ever smelled.”

McLerran has lived in her home for more than 16 years and said the odor has

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