Response To Landfill Odor 'Not Urgent Enough,' Says Lombardo

From the General Assembly News Bureau:

In a statement released this morning, Sen. Frank Lombardo III (D-Johnston) said he wants to see quicker action to solve the odor problems at the Central Landfill than the two to three weeks estimated by .

“The projected timetable of two to three weeks to place a new soil cap on the trash emitting these noxious gases and odors is simply unacceptable. The cap needs to be in place by this Friday,” said Lombardo. “In addition, all dumping of construction and demolition debris on the landfill should cease until this immediate odor problem is resolved.”

Lombardo explained that he wants to see immediate air quality tests conducted in Johnston and nearby towns, with the results made public; and ongoing monitoring by the state Department of Environmental Management, which on Oct. 19.

Officials from Resource Recovery told a meeting of state and local officials on Nov. 2 that the smell was caused by the dumping of flood debris that was left uncovered, and by heavy rains that clogged pipes used to draw gases from the landfill.

“The pace of action to remedy this current problem is not urgent enough,” said Lombardo. “I’ve listened to the explanations from Resource Recovery about why there is a proliferation in odor emanating from the landfill. However, I no longer believe that Resource Recovery is acting with the urgency needed to solve the problem. I am calling on them to redouble their efforts to put a speedy end to the current odor.”

Lombardo said he plans to submit a bill to the General Assembly that would:

• Ban the use of construction debris to cap the active area of the landfill
• Allow independent inspectors to visit 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Mandate air quality testing in Johnston and nearby communities
• Impose a $5,000 per day fine for each day that air quality and odors exceed a certain threshold.

Local Rep. Stephen R. Ucci recently called for a meeting of the House Committee on Government Oversight to investigate Resource Recovery's response to the smell.