Louisville Asks Liquor Warehouse to Control Vapors

Air quality officials in Louisville are warning liquor giant Diageo that it could face fines if it doesn't control the vapors coming from its storage warehouses in southern Louisville. The Air Pollution Control District says the vapors from the liquor storage houses cause a sour alcohol odor and promote the growth of a black mold or fungus that gathers on nearby homes.

The action by Louisville officials arrives as several makers of Kentucky's signature drink are facing lawsuits blaming their bourbon barrel storage warehouses for emitting vapors that promote the growth of the fungus on properties in Louisville and Frankfort.

Diageo has said the fungus is due to a naturally occurring mold.

Louisville officials say residents near the Diageo warehouse have been complaining about odors and the fungus since last year.