Smithville delays decision on proposed transfer station after questions about odors, runoff and daily cleanup

The Smithville Board of Aldermen on Tuesday postponed consideration of Bill 3060-25, a conditional‑use permit requested to operate a commercial transfer station at 14820 Industrial Drive, after aldermen raised questions about daily cleanup, wastewater handling and odors.

The delay gives board members time to review technical materials and the EPA guidance distributed by Alderman Wilson and to return with additional questions at the board's next meeting. Alderman Wilson moved to postpone; the motion passed on a roll call vote with six ayes and no no votes.

Why it matters: transfer stations accept, compact and temporarily store municipal solid waste before hauling it to a landfill. Neighbors and elected officials frequently press for detailed controls on odor, stormwater and wastewater so operations do not affect nearby businesses or residences.

David Finkie, the applicant and local business owner, told the board his firm plans to accept primarily C and D waste and described measures he says are planned to limit on‑site exposure and runoff. “We do have…we are putting a drain system in,” Finkie said, and added the system will route wash water to an outside container with an oil‑and‑sand filter rather than into the stormwater or sewer system. “That tank…