MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - State Representative Bryan Terry, MD, R-Murfreesboro, and Deputy Senate Speaker Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the City of Murfreesboro’s challenge to Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) Waste Systems of Tennessee’s proposed permit modification for the Middle Point Landfill.

In a letter to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) last week, Murfreesboro officials outlined several concerns related to the change, including environmental impacts, significant foul odors and drainage issues.

“As health care professionals, we believe this change could potentially negatively impact the environment, public health and welfare,” the legislators said in a joint statement. “We agree with the city’s assessment that this proposed modification should be considered major and that residents deserve the chance to provide input.”

The permit change would allow BFI to place waste above the aluminum waste recreation area. City officials argue the modification should be treated as a major modification, which will allow for a period of public comment.

Murfreesboro officials believe the change could impact the proper drainage of contaminated liquid and that BFI will be unable to prevent odors from getting into the community, among other significant impacts on public health and quality of life.

Both lawmakers have reached out to TDEC Commissioner David Salyers expressing their concerns with the proposal.