Residents press council over transfer‑station noise and odors; Waste Management responds

Several residents told the council on Aug. 3 that trucks associated with a nearby transfer station on Littlemore Drive create constant noise, foul odors and road‑vibration damage that begins around 6 a.m. and continues through late afternoon. Beverly Hector said trucks line up in front of her house, deposit debris and cause strong odors and vibrations that she believes have damaged ceilings in nearby homes.

Councilwoman Akins Wells described visiting the site and said she and other council members have raised the problem for years; she urged more accountability and at least basic remediation such as street washing. In response, Alan Owens, public‑service sector manager for Waste Management, acknowledged the complaints, said his role covers sanitation services and that the transfer‑station property is owned by a commercial entity outside his direct purview, but promised to pass resident concerns to the owner and continue conversations about mitigation measures.

Provenance: public comments by Beverly Hector and council discussion; company response by Alan Owens (topicintro: SEG 794; topicfinish: SEG 2134).

Speakers quoted (first reference): Beverly Hector (resident); Alan Owens (Waste Management)."Every time we get ready to cut the grass, we had to clean the yard up from all the trash that the trucks..." Beverly Hector said of the ongoing problem. Alan Owens, Waste Management, said, "I will take that back to, to that entity," acknowledging he would raise the concerns with the property owner.

Next steps: Mayor and staff said they will task the city manager and city attorney to explore options, including potential relocation costs or negotiations with the property owner, and to involve residents in seeking a solution.