Residents demand closure of bioreactor at St. Clair landfill amidst odor complaints

During the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 17, 2025, community concerns about the local landfill took center stage, highlighting ongoing issues that have affected residents for years.

Dawn Nowicki, a local resident, voiced her frustrations regarding persistent odors emanating from the landfill, which she described as sewage-like and detrimental to outdoor enjoyment. "We lose 10 to 15% of the time that we can enjoy in our backyards," she stated, emphasizing the negative impact on quality of life. Nowicki urged the board to reconsider plans for expanding the landfill, suggesting instead that they focus on closing the bioreactor system, which has been in place since 2010. She pointed out that despite efforts to market the bioreactor to other landfills, it has not been sold anywhere else, raising questions about its effectiveness.

Another speaker, Carolyn Richards, expressed gratitude for the board's transparency and efforts but highlighted the significant financial burden of $2.3 million needed to address the landfill's odor issues. This figure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the county in managing the landfill and its impact on surrounding communities.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing urgency among residents regarding the landfill's management and its effects on their daily lives. As the board considers future actions, the community remains hopeful for solutions that prioritize their health and well-being.