Several residents spoke during a Putnam County Commission Public Hearing against the expansion of a solid waste facility on CC Camp Road, concerned about traffic and emissions.
Novastus takes recyclable materials from waste and converts it to fuel. The company wants to expand its current facility. Jennifer Willis directs a rehabilitation program for those battling addiction. She had concerns about the proposed location.
“This is very close to our women’s home, where we have 10 to 15 students at all times,” Willis said. “Five to seven interns and staff, and children are there frequently. My questions are what safeguards are in place to protect the air quality? Has there been an environmental study been done on how it will affect property values?”
Willis asked how noise and odor would be monitored, and how residents would be notified if there was an issue at the plant. Willis also wanted to know if there was burning going on at the plant, as she said she has smelt burnt rubber near that location a few times.
Tyler Brown owns apartments on West Broad Street near the plant.
“Our main concerns are basically the smell, the air pollution, and the trash coming over from property to property,” Brown said. “All of the tenants have discussed with me, and are not happy about kind of the direction that it’s going. So that’s their main concern and our main concern for them.”
Jason Repsure from Barge Design Solutions in Nashville spoke on Novastus’ behalf to County Commissioners. Repsure said the company wants to move their operation to a building next door to their existing Cookeville facility.
“It’s the exact same operation that they’re currently permitted to do, same volume, same activity,” Repsure said. “They are simply looking to you know, be able to have a larger facility to include in their operational footprint so it’s you know, easier for them to bring material in or out.”
Repsure said the new space will be a standard recycling facility. Repsure said material being brought in will be changed. The recyclables will then be taken out and sent to market.
Putnam County residents who wish to comment have 30 days to mail or email their statement before the issue goes to vote at the Commission’s October meeting.
