Sunny Farms Landfill in Seneca County has made a request for a hearing to the local health department -- its next step in getting its operating license renewed.
The move was expected for about a month since the Seneca County General Health District voted with intent to deny the landfill’s license back on February, 28.
Last month, 11 Investigates found that residents in Fostoria and the surrounding communities near Sunny Farms Landfill were furious at local and state officials for what they said is a lack of action on foul odors at the dumping ground.
Now, Sunny Farms wants a public hearing to make its case to the residents and the health district. At that point, the health district can vote whether to actually deny or renew the landfill's operational license. If it were to be denied, Sunny Farms could appeal the decision.
It all comes down to what Sunny Farms is doing to combat a putrid odor that stretches for miles in the greater Fostoria area.
Landfill management said they've implemented changes that they're confident will subdue that smell.
“This hearing will allow Sunny Farms the opportunity to show that its application satisfies all applicable legal requirements for license renewal. The hearing date is not yet scheduled,” Sunny Farms senior vice president Matthew Neely said in a statement to WTOL. "In the meantime, Sunny Farms is continuing to upgrade its odor prevention measures and monitoring in accordance with its agreed orders with Ohio EPA.”
Seneca County health commissioner Beth Schweitzer told WTOL the date of the hearing will be determined by both parties’ lawyers, and it will be open to the public.
