(MURFREESBORO) Odor complaints from residents continue to be reported to the city as well as to Republic Services. Management at Middle Point Landfill have been conducting their own investigations, and General Manager Jeremy Jernigan says, “Wind patterns suggest that most reports are not attributable to Middle Point.”
Middle Point Claims
As investigations into odor reports in the Murfreesboro community continue, the latest data from the team at Middle Point Landfill has indicated an increase in odor reports from distances of three miles or greater. Reports of potential off-site odor from such distances, or from locations that are in opposite wind directions from the site, are likely attributable to other odor sources in the area, based on industry experience and technical expertise.
Reports of potential off-site odor steadily decreased this week compared to weeks prior. Of the 71 odor reports received in the last week, 84% were either submitted from distances of three miles or greater or were reported from places that were in the opposite wind direction from the site on that day. In addition, with the accumulation of data in recent weeks, reporting clusters are emerging to show an uptick in odor reports from locations at or near possible sewer and agricultural sources. This week, of reports that included enough timely, specific location information, 12 were potentially attributable to on-site operations at the landfill.
Jernigan noted, “We appreciate the continued reporting from the community and know this has been a frustrating process, but the data are starting to bring answers. Your reporting has already helped to eliminate potential on-site odor sources as well as confirm suspicions that there are other off-site sources contributing to the issue.”
For its part, the Middle Point Landfill team has expedited infrastructure updates to help reduce the potential for off-site odor. This week, 10 – of the planned 30 – new or replacement gas wells were installed, bringing the total to 23.
Report Odor
The community is encouraged to continue reporting any odors in as close to real time as possible to the landfill team via the Middle Point website at https://middlepointlandfill.com/. These reports are integral to determining potential sources and finding solutions. When submitting a report, please include:
- Location (specific address, cross streets or landmark) where odor is detected
- Time of day when odor is detected
- Weather or wind conditions at the time
- Identifying any other potential sources or infrastructure in the vicinity
- Description of the type of odor detected (sewer, trash, gas or other)
- Potency of the odor detected (from 1 [barely detectable] to 5 [high])
