Landfill Commission To Meet Tonight

A special panel of state legislators is scheduled to hold a hearing tonight at 6:30 p.m. at to gather public comment on the recent odor problems at the Central Landfill, and to hear from representatives of , the company that manages the state's largest trash collection facility.

State Rep. Stephen R. Ucci (D-Johnston, Cranston) is set to chair the commission, which is expected to consider other steps that can be taken to address the rotten egg stench that the piles of trash at the landfill have been releasing.

Ucci previously stated that the meeting tonight is also scheduled to include a public forum for residents of Johnston and other towns who have been affected by the recent odor problems.

Tonight's session is the latest in a series of steps taken by state and local officials to hold RIRRC and Broadrock Renewables, which runs a gas-capturing and burning facility at the Landfill, accountable for the odor issue.

On Wednesday, Mayor Joseph Polisena alleging that the two companies created a public nuisance, and seeking unspecified damages stemming from the odor's impact to the town's economic development efforts.

Last week, the state about work being done to stop the odors. DEM Director Janet Coit, in an open letter to RIRRC, warned of further actions against the company — including a suspension of new dumping permits — if the problems were not fixed.

Also serving on the commission are Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Johnston), who will be vice chairwoman; Rep. Thomas Winfield (D-Smithfield, Glocester), Rep. Michael W. Chippendale (R-Foster, Glocester, Coventry) and Rep. Michael J. Marcello (D-Scituate, Cranston).