Canton mayor and aldermen press Pactiv Evergreen over new wastewater-plant odors

Mayor Zeb Smathers and several aldermen on May 9 pressed Pactiv Evergreen to address recent offensive odors coming from the company-operated wastewater facility, saying the problem has intensified and the company must do better for Canton residents.

Smathers, who said he had attended a Fallen Officer Ceremony earlier that evening, asked for removal of debris at Bearwaters and described the odor from the Pactiv-operated facility as “obvious” and “not acceptable.” He said the town is struggling economically and that residents “deserve better,” urging anyone with concerns to contact Pactiv directly while saying the state has been notified and the town stands ready to help.

Alderwoman Mull told the board she was “not surprised by Pactiv” and said the company "never intended to be honorable," while Alderman Hamlett said Pactiv "is playing a game" and that the town needs better stewardship. Alderman Shepard said the issue comes down to keeping promises and following through on commitments.

Several members of the public asked how to raise complaints. Vicki Hyatt of the Mountaineer asked what the town could do; Smathers reiterated that state officials were aware and that town leaders were prepared to assist. Interim Manager Stinnett said she would provide contact information for directing comments to Pactiv once she had it.

The board did not vote on an enforcement action at the May 9 meeting. Officials said they would pursue state-level options and encouraged residents to report incidents so the town could document the scope and frequency of the odor problems.

Next steps: Interim Manager Stinnett will circulate contact details for Pactiv and relevant state contacts, and town staff indicated they will continue to monitor complaints and pursue remedies with state regulators and Pactiv as appropriate.