Landfill moving to snuff out foul odor

Johnston, R.I. (WPRI) - The agency in charge of operating the state landfill says it will take additional steps to eliminate a foul smell that has been plaguing its neighbors.

Earlier this week, the city of Johnston sued the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Agency over the stench.

Over the past several months there have been hundreds of complaints over a rotten-egg odor.

Up to now, construction equipment was used to cover the active part of the landfill.

The new plan is to instead use an environmental coating the consistency of cement.

It also calls for as many as 11 new wells to collect landfill gas and a fifth flare to burn the gas.

The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Agency would not comment on the proposed improvements because of the pending lawsuit by the city.

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena tells Eyewitness News, the smell has to stop.

" As I said to them, you should have ten flares up there burning off," he said.

A state commission created to investigate the problem at the landfill met for the first time Friday night.

Several residents spoke out against the smell.  The commission also discussed health concerns.

The commission plans to meet again next month.