Community Corner

Bridgeton Landfill Continues to Cause Headaches for Residents, Schools

Some Bridgeton residents are being offered a temporary housing alternative, while the community grows concerns about the landfill's odor.

As the Bridgeton Landfill prepares to have a higher odor level due to further construction, some residents surrounding the area are getting a temporary way out.

Residents of Spanish Village, Terrisan Reste Mobile Home and some of Carrolton Village Condominiums have been offered a temporary alternative housing solution as the smell is expected to rise dramatically next week when more construction takes place.

In a letter from Bridgeton Landfill President Tim Trost, the company offers a lodging program that will put up residents in an extended-stay hotel at the company’s expense for May 20 through June 14. Pets can be taken to some of the hotels, and pet fees would be covered. If a resident decides to go to a friend or relative’s home instead, the company will pay a weekly stipend of $125 for inconvenience.

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Living expenses such a food or entertainment will not be covered, according to the letter.

The odor from the landfill, located near the intersection of Interstate 70 and Interstate 270 on St. Charles Rock Road, has caused problems since earlier this year with a strong odor from the site. Republic Services, who owns the site, said they would start construction on the site to put in place pipes that would release gases as well as put a cap on the quarry area.

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RELATED: Pipe Construction Halted at Bridgeton Landfill

On Facebook, a group page has formed dedicated to the West Lake Landfill, which is separate but sits close to the Bridgeton Landfill, and several members have complained of the Bridgeton Landfill smell.

Brendan Michael Kelby wrote, “Ok usually the smell doesn't bother me that much. But these past three days ever time I go by or get a wiff of this crap I get a sharp pain in my head once I get away from the smell the pain goes away this is ridiculous! I deliver parts over towards the dump all day 6 days a week. Gets worse and worse everyday.”

Members of the group have also started a signature campaign to "to ensure that communities are protected from nuisance odors and nuclear weapons wastes at the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton." 

Matt Thompson wrote on the Facebook wall Wednesday, "Smelled it again all night long in Florissant, area of Shackelford from Charbonier to Sunset Park....logged it."

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Tuesday morning, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources posted to its site about the landfill’s odor: “The department has received calls this morning from the public concerning increased odors south of the landfill property, Weather conditions, low winds and high barometric pressure, has resulted in little air movement in the area. In speaking with Republic Services, there is also some work being completed on a leachate collection well today.”

DePaul Health Center has posted signs in waiting rooms when the odor is at its strongest, according to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch article. A spokeswoman said few complaints have been made about the smell. Messages left with DePaul were not returned by time of publication.

For other stories regarding the Bridgeton Landfill situation, check out: 

  • Bridgeton Landfill Court Dates Set
  • Missouri Looks at Lawsuit Against Bridgeton Landfill
  • Missouri Officials to Test Air Around Bridgeton Landfill
  • Update: Missouri Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Bridgeton Landfill Owner
  • Hold Your Nose: Bridgeton Landfill Gets Stinkier This Week
  • Lawmakers Want Action Against Bridgeton's West Lake Landfill


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