Compost Facility Odor Still A Problem

Thu., June 27, 1996

Kristina Johnson Staff Writer

People living near the Colbert compost facility say those who think the odor problems are gone must have their noses plugged.

“Odors continue to penetrate many of our homes on warm summer evenings, unreasonably interfering with our enjoyment of our homes and the health of our families and friends,” said Gina Howerton.

Howerton spoke to the City Council during the public forum earlier this week on behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Colbert.

Phil Williams’ assurances that complaints had decreased at the plant were misleading, Howerton said. Williams, the regional solid waste director, told the council earlier this year that the city received only three complaints between November and April.

Howerton gave the council a petition signed by more than 60 residents distressed by the plant’s continued operation.

“We still live here,” Howerton said. “These problems still exist and continue to effect our lives on a daily basis.”

Howerton also said she and her neighbors are concerned about the long-term health effects of the compost plant. A state Department of Health survey found that people living near the plant had more illnesses than average, she said.

But Councilwoman Phyllis Holmes, who sits on the Health District Board, said the survey results were inconclusive because too few people took part in the study.

Since it opened two years ago, neighbors have complained repeatedly about its smell. Twice, public outcry caused the city to close the plant only to reopen it a short time later.

Last fall, the compost plant underwent a series of operational changes aimed at reducing odors. The city installed a misting system along the plant’s eastern rim, which releases the organic solvent “Odor Gone” at the first sign of a foul smell.

In other business this week affecting the North Side, the city council:

Approved a $2,092 contract with Larson’s Demolition of Spokane to demolish a burned garage and remove refuse at 5016 N. Ligerwood.

Vacated Standard Street from Jackson to Buckeye avenues.

, DataTimes

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