I can say shame on McMinnville
As a resident of McMinnville and a resident living within a few blocks of the WastAway plant, I’m concerned.
When the WastAway project was presented to the citizens of McMinnville, the newspaper lauded the effort as Warren County becoming the only county in America that could have 95 percent recycled garbage. While this is an honorable effort, our citizens had misgivings. Petitions were circulated and signed. But, the petitions went unheeded.
So, WastAway installed their project in, of all places, a residential area. And there are smells from this operation.
Obviously, the City Fathers have never visited a dump site before and have no idea of the stench that comes from garbage. Should they need enlightenment, I suggest they open the lid on their garbage can the day before it is due to be dumped. And, smell it!
It’s a matter of record that residents have been treated by the EMTs for being overcome by the fumes from the WastAway facility. There is a child care center in the immediate area where they can no longer let children outside to play.
And, now McMinnville will not allow WastAway to have its refuse. We are told that WastAway wants McMinnville to pay $40 a ton to have its garbage processed. McMinnville maintains that it currently pays $32 a ton (with some additional expenses). I would assume the “additional expenses” would amount to $8-$10 a ton. But, no one is giving the citizens of McMinnville the actual figures. This is speculation on my part.
And, WastAway is keeping its operation alive by importing waste materials from other areas. So, now McMinnville is becoming the “Garbage Capital” of Tennessee. And, our city is still hauling refuse out to the landfills. So, what happened to Warren County being 95 percent recycled?
All I can say is, “Shame on you, McMinnville!”
David L. Bentz
239 Roosevelt Road
McMinnville