Boyle County court pauses on air-curtain burner as residents report heavy smoke; recycling director cleared to bid for glass pulverizer

Magistrates at the Boyle County Fiscal Court on Sept. 23 pressed county recycling officials for documentation and temporarily halted any final decision on continued operation of an on-site air-curtain burner after nearby residents reported strong smoke and odors.

The court voted to gather additional information, including air-quality reports and operational permitting records, before taking further action. Magistrates and residents voiced health and nuisance concerns after several witnesses described visible smoke and odor from the burning site. Recycling Director Angie Muncy told the court air-quality staff had already visited and that the burner is operating under a permit and twice-yearly reporting requirements, but residents and some magistrates said the visible smoke was more severe than expected when the burner was started.

The county approved a separate, uncontested motion to put the county'owned glass pulverizer system out to bid. Muncy said the chosen system would be an "Andela Glass Pulverizer System (Mega Mini) with trommel screen and conveyor," and she presented the draft bid language that will be used to solicit vendors. She said the pulverizer is a multi-month procurement and that timing aligns with opening of the new recycling building.

Why it matters: the air-curtain burner handles brush and other vegetative waste and has been used as a disposal option for large volumes of wet wood. Neighbors said the smoke has affected their ability to use outdoor spaces and created odors inside homes. County leaders signaled they want the county to document air-quality testing and operating permits before ordering any operational changes.

Key details - Residents said smoke and diesel-like odors from the air-curtain burner have been noticeable at times, especially during startup and in damp conditions. Neighbor Freddie Green was named repeatedly during discussion as a complainant. - Muncy said the burner had been inspected by state air-quality staff and that the facility holds the required permit; she also said reports are required twice per year and that the facility had been operating only since September. - Magistrates asked the administration to obtain the state air-quality inspection results, any complaints filed, and operational logs. The judge executive said she would reserve executive authority to make a decision based on that new information rather than waiting for a subsequent court meeting. - The court approved recycling staff's request to advertise for bids on the glass pulverizer and associated equipment; Muncy said the system will allow the county to accept and process glass again at the recycling center (but not curbside). She also said a styrofoam collection pilot is planned. - Muncy announced a public information session on Oct. 30 (6-8 p.m., Inter-County Energy) to explain recent curbside changes, contamination rules, new stickers and reflective strips for carts, and the county's messaging for acceptable materials (plastic #1 and #2 jugs/bottles, aluminum and metal cans, clean cardboard and paper). She stressed the importance of keeping recyclables clean and dry to prevent contamination.

Voices - Angie Muncy, Recycling Director for Boyle County, described the pulverizer bid package and said state air-quality staff had inspected the burner and that the county holds a permit and reporting obligations. - Multiple magistrates and at least one nearby resident raised complaints about visible smoke, the smell in homes, and concerns about long-term health impacts.

Court action and next steps - The court asked staff to compile air-quality inspection reports, complaint records and operational logs for review; the judge executive said she would consider that information and exercise executive authority if necessary rather than waiting for another full meeting. - Staff were authorized to put the glass pulverizer procurement out to bid.

Ending Recycling staff said they will continue outreach to improve curbside contamination rates and noted the county already is marketing clean materials (cardboard, #1/#2 plastics, aluminum) to local buyers. The court will review the air-quality documentation and decide whether to suspend or relocate the air-burn operation once staff reports back.