Stop the smell.
In an effort to control the stench radiating from the 600-acre Mount Trashmore, city commissioners have declared that the public landfill has “objectionable and obnoxious odors,” that have a “long-range negative impact” on the city’s economic development.
The move urges the Broward County commissioners to declare the site a public nuisance and stop operations there until the odor problem is fixed.
County officials say they have threatened to fine Waste Management for the stench though they can’t force a private company to close down. That move comes from numerous complaintsfrom residents in the area for months. “It’s a smelly mess up there,” City Commissioner Rex Hardin said. “It’s been a long-term problem. I can’t imagine with today’s technology there isn’t something that can be done.”
Added City Commissioner Bill Griffin: “The odor could be compared to your septic tank backing up; you know how pungent the odor is. Hopefully Waste Management will speed up the corrections.”
The resolution comes at the urging of the Coconut Creek City Commission, which passed similar action in December.
“Although we have been given assurances that the odor is not health threatening as to possible toxic effects, we fervently believe that it has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of all residents in northern Broward County,” wrote Coconut Creek Vice Mayor Marilyn Gerber in a memo to Pompano Beach Mayor E. Pat Larkins. She said she will also petition Coral Springs and Deerfield Beach to take a stand against the smell.
Gerber added her home is less than two miles from the landfill, and the stink keeps her from wanting to venture outside.
“It was extremely bad from August till probably Thanksgiving and then it’s been intermittent,” she added. “It’s very bad. You really couldn’t walk outdoors. I have a strong stomach, but it’s horrible.
“I want it to end.”
“We are trying to get Waste Management to take responsibility for their odor issues,” said Steve Somerville, director of the county Planning and Environmental Protection. “They have done a number of remedial issues” to solve the problem.
Sam Ricotta, site manager for the landfill, did not return three calls to his office seeking comment.
The county warned the company in September to fix the problems. Then in October, it submitted a written violation notice that could result in a fine up to $15,000, he said.
Much of the smell reportedly has been coming from drywall, construction and demolition debris. Waste Management has made an effort since October to cover the smell by placing dirt on the debris and using deodorizing sprays, Somerville said.
“We believe that it has had a substantial impact. However, we are continuing to get some odor complaints, although the number is considerably less than in October.
“It’s up to Waste Management to control their odors. We’re continuing to compel them to control the odors. It’s their responsibility to do that,” Somerville said.
The county is working with Waste Management to come up with other ways to make changes, said John Stagnari, enforcement administrator of Broward County Planning and Environmental Protection. “We have our technical people talking to their technical people talking about the odor and what can be done,” he said.
A hearing that can determine the fine Waste Management will have to pay has been scheduled for April.
Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at or 954-356-4557.
