About 200 people attended a special meeting in the Findlay Activity Center last night to discuss an ongoing stench around the Imperial Landfill on Boggs Road.

The crowd included West Allegheny teachers and parents concerned about bad odors and gas emissions affecting nearby Wilson Elementary School.

The landfill was inspected and will be cited for a malfunctioning gas collection system and other violations of air quality and operational permits, representatives of the Allegheny County Health Department and the state Department of Environmental Protection said.

Allied Waste representatives said they have begun replacing damaged gas wells and have purchased air filters for the school's ventilation system.

"We will do something about this problem," landfill spokesman Jim Bowen said. "You've got my commitment."

Dr. Bruce Dixon, the county health department director, said the landfill situation did not pose any immediate health risk. But many people working and living near the landfill demanded proof that gas emissions weren't linked to cases of cancer and other illnesses in the neighborhood and school, about 2,000 feet from the landfill.

"My motivation for being here tonight is that I have concerns for all the children and staff at Wilson and all the community members," teacher Karen Evans Meyers said.

A mobile lab will be stationed at the school from Monday through Wednesday to collect and analyze air samples.