WATERVLIET (WKZO-AM) — A state representative based in southwest Michigan is exchanging trash talk with the owners of a landfill in his district, claiming it’s causing a big stink.
Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville, sponsored legislation that passed the House on Thursday that he says was the result of ongoing complaints about odor issues at the Orchard Hill Landfill, which is located along Interstate 94 in northern Berrien County.
Pscholka said it’s about the quality of life in his district.
“It’s an important issue for a large number of residents in my communities. They have been trying to find a solution to this problem for quite some time,” Pscholka said.
If approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder, House Bill 4783 would increase penalties under Michigan’s waste management laws for the first violation from $10,000 to $20,000 each day, and increase the daily fines for a second violation from $25,000 to $40,000.
Chris Phillips, the landfill’s compliance officer, responded, calling the legislation “disappointing.”
“Orchard Hill Sanitary Landfill has an outstanding overall record of compliance with state waste management laws,” Phillips said. “Since 2008, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has conducted 36 evaluations of the landfill and found it to be in compliance every time but one.”
Pscholka is literally calling that “absolute garbage” and demanding the landfill’s operators issue a correction, making it clear that a $4,500 fine came after many citations and hundreds of complaints.
Phillips said the landfill is standing by its statement.
The duel of words came in press releases over the weekend.
– John McNeill
