Public hearing set for proposed Bradley County solid-waste processing facility; operator says 1,000 tons already diverted

Bradley County commissioners opened a public hearing on a resolution seeking local approval under the Jackson law for a proposed solid-waste processing facility proposed for 241 (address transcribed variously as Glendale/Lindale) Lane Northwest in Charleston. Commissioner Mike Hughes presented the resolution and said the matter will return to the commission for final consideration on Dec. 1.

A company representative, addressed in the record as Mr. Bullens, described the operation as a recycling center that would process most materials indoors and divert wood and pallets where permitted. “We estimate just since the short term, we diverted 1000 tons already from your land,” the representative said, citing materials already kept out of the county landfill. He said the facility intends to recycle steel and rubber from tires, sell processed material to brokers, and offer public drop-off at a gated entrance for a gate fee.

Commissioners asked about timeline, traffic, and dust control. The representative said the processing for items such as tires would be undercover, with wood processed outdoors, and that a dust-control plan is included in the permit materials. He also said the primary vehicle access will be from Vaucher Boulevard to limit traffic through residential areas.

Chair closed the public comment portion after no members of the public came forward to speak. The commission’s staff noted criteria that will guide evaluation—type of waste, disposal method, noise and odor impacts, property-value effects, road adequacy, and public health and safety—and said Mullins/Bullens Environmental’s written responses are available from the commission office. The item is scheduled for the Dec. 1 voting session for final consideration.