Growth, problems need real review

Cedar Grove Composting was originally permitted to process yard waste into compost. Now the company wants to process 620,000 tons of noxious waste, including rotting food. (Aug. 12 article, "Cedar Grove quiet on possible expansion plans.") And, they've been completely disingenuous about their responsibility for the odors surrounding their operations for over a decade, plaguing multiple neighborhoods.

Before the city of Everett, Puget Sound Clean Air Authority, and the Washington departments of Health and Ecology consider any additional permits or expansion for Cedar Grove in Everett, these issues of odor, "fugitive dust" and water pollution must be completely and satisfactorily addressed.

Ecology reports that Cedar Grove water discharges have often exceeded acceptable levels. It appears that polluted stormwater and airborne particulates from Cedar Grove composting are violating surface water quality standards, and potentially sediment standards, as referenced in the Herald story. Further, it appears Cedar Grove hasn't responded to four documented permit violations from an August 2009 Ecology inspection.

It seems Cedar Grove is operating beyond its permitted guidelines and now wants to expand.

We need composting technology, but not at the risk of our health, quality of life, air and water quality, wetlands and salmon runs.

This issue deserves to be thoroughly reviewed by lawmakers in Olympia. Shouldn't we study this type of operation and implement it in a way that benefits all? Can't we create a regional utility that doesn't negatively impact surrounding residents? What if we did this right? Then, through a transparent site selection and permitting process, we could create the best compost facility in the country.

Mike Davis
Citizens for a Smell Free Marysville