MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The City of Murfreesboro on Wednesday released a detailed summary of a proposed settlement agreement in its federal lawsuit against BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee, LLC, and Republic Services, Inc. (“BFI/Republic”) over long-standing environmental concerns surrounding Middle Point Landfill (MPLF). The City Council will vote on whether to approve the agreement during a public meeting at 6:00 p.m. on July 31, 2025, at City Hall. All of the latest details from the City are in this article below. 

The proposed agreement stems from a lawsuit originally filed in August 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee (Case No. 3:22-cv-00605). The suit alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and state nuisance and negligence laws due to both air and water pollution at MPLF. After extensive discovery—including over 50,000 documents and 21 depositions—and a multi-month mediation process completed in June 2025, the two parties reached a proposed resolution.

Key Provisions of the Settlement: PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

One of the central environmental concerns in the lawsuit involved PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as "forever chemicals" for their persistence in the environment and potential to cause harm at very low levels.

The agreement requires:

• Monthly testing of leachate discharged to the city’s sewer for PFAS.

• A comprehensive study (funded by MPLF) of other potential PFAS sources entering the sewer system.

• MPLF must study pretreatment options for PFAS removal within one year and construct a treatment system if federal or state regulations mandate reductions in effluent levels from the City’s wastewater facility.

• MPLF will build a passive granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment system to reduce PFAS from its main stormwater outfall to the East Fork Stones River.

• The landfill must conduct semiannual testing of groundwater and springs and take remedial action if required by TDEC.

• MPLF will provide $40,000 to the City for testing surface water and the City's drinking water for PFAS over a two-year period.

• Importantly, the City retains the right to sue if its drinking water ever exceeds legal PFAS limits set by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Air Pollution and Odor Control Measures

The settlement also addresses air quality and odor issues caused by landfill gas and leachate seeps. Under the Clean Air Act, MPLF is required to manage its gas collection and control system (GCCS) responsibly. The proposed agreement goes further, establishing a comprehensive GCCS Management Plan with built-in oversight by City experts.

The plan mandates:

• Immediate action when high methane levels are detected, including repairs, well tuning, and possible installation of new wells.

• Routine site inspections and shared access to GCCS design and maintenance records.

• Penalties for failure to comply with key elements of the plan.

• Continuous monitoring of perimeter air for ammonia and hydrogen sulfide with a 2-day response requirement for elevated readings.

• Requirements to address gas wells obstructed by leachate, surface leaks, pooling liquids, and broken or defective parts.

• Creation of a joint odor complaint portal that allows residents to report issues in real-time, with a mandate for Republic/BFI to investigate and document the cause immediately.

Financial and Oversight Provisions

The agreement includes several financial obligations by Republic/BFI to the City:

• $500,000 reimbursement for prior sampling and development of the odor control plan.

• Up to $50,000 per year for two years for expert oversight of GCCS compliance.

• Ongoing collaboration with City personnel for site visits, data review, and operational transparency.

Landfill Expansion Remains Off the Table

The City emphasized that this agreement does not change Murfreesboro’s firm opposition to any expansion of Middle Point Landfill—either horizontally or vertically—including expansion over the Aluminum Waste Reaction Area or onto the adjoining closed Rutherford County landfill.

Approval of the agreement by the City Council is the next step. If approved, the proposed settlement would also need final approval by the federal court.

The City has stated it will not issue further comments until after the July 31 council vote.

The full settlement agreement and a more detailed summary can be found at:
www.murfreesborotn.gov/ProposedLandfillSettlementAgreement

 Middle Point Landfill Previously Released the Following:

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – July 17, 2025 – The City of Murfreesboro has scheduled a public hearing and city council meeting for the evening of Thursday, July 17, at which it will consider the annexation of Middle Point Landfill. Ahead of tonight’s meeting, Middle Point operators release the following statement:

“Middle Point Landfill does not oppose annexation and has not opposed annexation since 1995, when our business entered a contract with the city to access sewer and water services. While we have always encouraged public deliberation about Middle Point, tonight’s meeting and subsequential outcome, per our contract and recent communications with the city, will have no impact on our employees or operations in Rutherford County.”

Middle Point Landfill is regulated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Annexation does not give the city authority to determine the future of Middle Point Landfill or to regulate its operation in a manner that is inconsistent with the regulation of other businesses in Murfreesboro.