DAYTON, Tenn. – Rhea County and Santek Environmental Landfill Solutions officials have agreed to review a plan to alleviate mud and debris on Smyrna Road.
Santek officials were scheduled to attend Tuesday night’s meeting of the Rhea County Commission, but they met earlier with three of the commissioners and Road Superintendent Tommy Snyder to discuss recent complaints about the landfill.
For months, residents complained about mud and debris that had scattered across the road from the trucks leaving the landfill.
Officials discussed rerouting the trucks toward the back of the landfill and exiting around the other side onto a different section of Smyrna Road as a possible solution. Trucks now enter and exit through a 100-yard section of Smyrna Road at the front of the landfill.
Commission Chairman Ronnie Raper said the extra distance would allow the trucks to slough off the excessive mud and water before pulling out onto the highway.
Earlier this month, Raper said Santek might have breached the contract by not keeping the road clean, and he would consult the county attorney, Carol Ann Barron.
After Tuesday’s meeting, Raper said Santek hadn’t breached the contract.
Santek President and CEO Edward Caylor said his company’s main concern was to “keep the mud, dust and water off the road.”
Trucks leaving the landfill are supposed to use a “wheel wash” to remove excess dirt and mud from their wheels. County Executive George Thacker said the wash hadn’t been used recently, but he wasn’t sure why.
“[Santek] needs to fix the problem,” he said last week.
Jeff Daggett, who lives near the landfill, said drivers “don’t use the wheel wash. Rainy days are a problem.”
Matt Dillard, Santek vice president of operations, said landfill drivers would “go ahead and use the wheel wash.”
The trucks also will use tarps on top of their loads to keep debris from flying out, Caylor said. The tarp law “will be strictly enforced,” he said.
In previous months, residents also have complained about foul smells and early morning or late-night traffic at the landfill.
Operators have “stepped it up” at the landfill and moved most of the trash to the back, Daggett said.
“It’s still a landfill,” he said, but the smells have improved and there are “no early morning trucks.”
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bell south.net