The decision by Cedar Grove to halt its plans for expansion at its Everett site was a good one. (Friday article, “Cedar Grove drops plan to grow.”) So was the decision of Everett to require a full environmental impact statement on the project.
As Everett acknowledged in its decision, it appears that Cedar Grove was headed toward a “probable full buildout” at the Everett site, which means processing more than 600,000 tons of organic waste every year, a huge increase from their present maximum of 228,000 tons. Even the current operation should be required to do a meaningful review since they never have.
Cedar Grove’s decision to withdraw its expansion plans does not let them off the hook for their existing odors. Walking away from expansion does not mean they can walk away from their responsibilities to deal with their impacts. This company must address its impacts on air, water and odor. The regulators who oversee it must enforce the existing rules. In just one example, Cedar Grove has for years failed to enclose its grinder, despite orders by two agencies to do so.
As our neighbors can tell you, the odor is not gone. In fact, new victims are joining Citizens for a Smell Free Snohomish County every day out of frustration.
We want regional composting to succeed, but it must be done responsibly, not on the backs of neighboring communities. We hope Cedar Grove has heard the message loud and clear. Fix the odor!
Mike Davis
Citizens for a Smell Free Snohomish County
Marysville
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