Original link: http://wgntv.com/2017/03/15/proposed-compost-site-causing-stink-in-the-suburbs/
DES PLAINES, Ill. — Some suburban residents say “not in my neighborhood” to a proposal to build a composting site on a former landfill in Des Plaines.
The site is located across from Oakton Community College and the concern is the odor the compost might create.
The commercial compost site would be located on a landfill that has been closed since 1986 and would utilize 25 of the existing 160 acres.
The composting would not include meat or dairy products.
Attorney Jim Griffin represents the backers of the compost operation. He says a company called Patriot Acres LLC would lease the site from the archdiocese.
“The owner of the parcel is the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago,” Griffin said. “It’s going to be beneficial because it’s going to be good for the environment.”
Cook County’s Zoning Board of Appeals voted in favor of it.
It will now go to the full board for consideration.
Opponents of the proposal who live nearby say it’s going to make an already busy Central Road even more so and widening the road is not an option because of a nearby viaduct.
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I always get frustrated when I see opposition headlines about composting in the news.
This all stems from a lack of education and awareness, which are both fixable challenges. The mythical negative perception of composting seem to hold it back from its true potential.
I find it ironic that the proposed site is directly on top of a landfill.
Although the landfill has been closed since 1986, you can be sure that’s still leaching and emitting away.
I’m a bit baffled about the ‘no meat or dairy’ clause- adding them will create higher quality compost and there’s no reason to leave them out.
The rules of composting are the same whether or not those materials are being utilized- they are organic materials that need to return to the soil.
I hope the site gets approved and they can educate the naysayers- composting is only a good thing.