Benton Co. Landfill Expansion Meeting Tuesday
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Michael Melton said he often wonders what the future will hold for his community. He lives less than a quarter of a mile from the Environmental Waste Solutions Plant and has been complaining about its effects on him since it was created. “I think ‘smell’ is the wrong word. I think it’s much more dangerous than smell. There are also chemicals in that stuff they’ll be in there as well,” added Melton. The landfill takes waste products and recycles them. They take out the aluminum before putting it to rest and admits ammonia is often released. “Bottom line is 99.7 percent of the time, the smell is below detectable limits and below danger limits,” said plant general manager Bill Foster. Foster hopes they can get the OK to expand. He said they have invested more than $100,000 into helping to make amends with the community. They also have monitors on site and throughout Camden to take ammonia measurements 24/7. “We want to be a good partner in the community and a good neighbor. We welcome everyone’s comments and we want to address all of them,” said Foster. State Senator Roy Herron wants everyone to meet at the Benton County Courthouse on Tuesday afternoon. He wants the community to voice their concerns to the Department of Environment and Conservation, who is in favor of the landfill’s expansion. He also believes speaking out can possibly stop the plant from growing. TDEC said they will accept written comments until August 14. They can be sent to the department headquarters, 1st Floor L&C Annex, 401 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37243. For those who would rather meet with them in person, the public hearing will begin Tuesday afternoon, 5:30 at the Benton County Courthouse. TDEC must prepare a response and make a decision afterward.
