The City of Murfreesboro and the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board have filed a lawsuit against BFI in Rutherford County Chancery Court. The lawsuit aims to stop BFI from bypassing state and local oversight in its application to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) for a vertical expansion of the Middle Point Landfill. BFI is seeking to add a 70-foot layer to the landfill, which would increase its capacity by 19 million tons and extend its operation until 2046. This would allow 39 percent more waste at the site.
City officials say BFI’s application to TDEC avoids the process that allows for local review and public input. They state this could prevent Murfreesboro and Rutherford County residents from sharing their concerns. The city has cited environmental and public health concerns, noting the landfill received seven environmental violations in the past year and over 4,000 odor complaints from the community…