(MURFREESBORO) With the Middle Point Landfill nearing capacity, Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron told WGNS that work continues to find the best way to take care of the waste from local residents and businesses.

Earlier on WGNS, Republic Services General Manager Jeremy Jernigan indicated that Republic Services definitely wants to be a part of future services in Rutherford County. In fact, he said once the landfill is full, they will continue to be active locally by monitoring the complex for 30 to 50-years.

Investing $5-Million+ To Reduce Odor

A report from Republic Services shows they are now investing more than $5-million at Middle Point Landfill just to control the potential for off-site odor:

• This week, Republic began installing additional temporary gas collection infrastructure to send more landfill gas to the on-site flare, where it is safely destroyed;
• Over the next several weeks, Republic is installing additional permanent gas collection infrastructure in a targeted 15-acre area. This project will replace the temporary infrastructure and capture even more methane (a byproduct of waste decomposition); and
• Republic will continue to operate site-wide odor misters and odor neutralizing vaporizers as engineers install this additional gas collection infrastructure.

Jernigan noted, "These steps represent just the latest investment in a series of recent enhancements. We remain committed to making further investments as needed."

Let Republic Know If You Smell Odors

Republic Services asks that if you detect odor you believe is attributable to the landfill, please phone (615) 782-5500, and they will investigate.

Jernigan concluded, "We will keep you updated on our progress, and we appreciate your understanding and patience as we perform this important work."