Waste management odor complaints spark community outrage

Residents of Muskegon are raising concerns about persistent odors emanating from local landfills, prompting discussions at a recent government meeting. The issue centers around the practices of waste management companies, particularly Waste Management and GFL, regarding the covering of landfill sites.

A long-time board president, who has lived in the area for over two decades, highlighted the unpleasant smells that have been affecting the community, especially during certain weather conditions. He noted that the prevailing winds often carry odors from the landfill, and he urged residents to voice their concerns at open meetings to seek resolution.

In response to these complaints, representatives from Waste Management explained their current practices, including the installation of seven new gas wells aimed at reducing odors and quarterly surface emission monitoring. They emphasized that any detected methane levels above 500 parts per million trigger corrective actions to mitigate emissions.

However, the board president questioned the effectiveness of these measures, particularly the lack of coverage for the \"fluff layer\" of waste, which is a layer of refuse that can contribute to odors. He pointed out that the statute governing landfill operations is poorly written, allowing for this layer to remain uncovered, which may be exacerbating the smell issues.

The meeting underscored the need for better communication and collaboration between waste management companies and the community to address these ongoing odor problems. Residents are encouraged to remain engaged and proactive in seeking solutions to improve their quality of life.