Rutherford County adopts resolution urging TDEC to enforce regional landfill rules after heated public comment

Rutherford County commissioners on March 26 adopted a resolution asking the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to enforce a regional solid‑waste board’s authority and to urge Republic Services to comply with applicable law and the county’s host‑benefit agreement for Middle Point Landfill. The vote followed an extended public comment period in which residents described long‑standing odor problems, concerns about runoff and possible PFAS contamination near Walter Hill Recreation Area, and distrust of Republic’s public outreach.

Donna Barrett, chairperson of the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board, read a revised resolution that cites state law (TCA 68‑211‑814 and related sections) and a 1995 host‑benefit agreement for Middle Point Landfill. The measure “request[s] that TDEC take such action as appropriate to assure compliance with the lawful orders of the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board” and asks Republic Services “to take such action as may be necessary to comply with applicable law and the host benefit agreement,” the text says.

The resolution was introduced after the board recessed for an executive session. Commissioners debated whether the county should add its voice to the regional board’s request, with some expressing concern that the county’s action could prompt litigation and others saying it was a modest step to press the state agency for clear explanations. Commissioner Peay said voting for the measure simply asks that “TDEC enforce state law as their job,” while Commissioner McAdoo asked whether passage would affect separate litigation between Murfreesboro and Republic; county counsel answered it would not.

Public comment ahead of the vote was dominated by opponents of the landfill expansion and by residents urging enforcement. “We don’t want Davidson County trash,” said Brian Smothermon, who said he lived in Murfreesboro and that Republic had improved odor problems since 2018 but still warranted oversight. Eric Myers told the commission Republic “chose to do nothing” after the regional board’s 2022 resolution and urged commissioners to consider whether the company should be a 50‑year partner. Laura Clark said Republic’s mailers were misleading and that the county should pursue alternatives including composting and waste‑to‑energy. Laura McGowan cited a news report about ongoing odor complaints in Cabarrus County, N.C., that she said undermined Republic’s claim of similar success elsewhere.

Commissioner Anthony Johnson moved to adopt the revised resolution; after discussion the clerk conducted a roll‑call voice vote. The clerk recorded 16 yes votes and 5 no votes; Chairman Phillips announced the motion passed. The commission did not amend or append the resolution at the meeting.

The resolution references the CTRSWPB’s April 25, 2022 action and cites TDEC statutes describing the department’s supervisory authority over solid‑waste facilities. It notes that the regional board offered assistance to TDEC beginning in late 2022, but Barrett said the board has received limited response and is seeking clearer enforcement action or an explanation from the state agency.

Next procedural steps noted at the meeting: commissioners were told the county’s delegation will be asked to consider the issue before the current legislative session ends, and Barrett said the regional board plans to present the fuller, original resolution to delegates and other county commissions. Chairman Phillips closed the special session and reminded commissioners the next regular session is April 17.

Votes at a glance

Adopt resolution supporting CTRSWPB request to TDEC (presented by Donna Barrett): motion passed by roll call, 16 yes, 5 no.

What it means

The county’s action is a formal expression of support for the regional board’s request that the state agency exercise enforcement authority where warranted. It does not itself change state law, and county officials and counsel said the resolution is intended to prompt TDEC to explain or act within its statutory powers rather than to create new regulatory authority.

Reporting notes: Quotes and attributions in this article are taken from the county meeting transcript and public comments presented before the vote. The resolution text and statutes cited were read aloud at the March 26 meeting by Donna Barrett.