Dive Summary:
- Two years ago, Johnston, Rhone Island Mayor Joseph M. Polisena launched a suit accusing two companies who oversee Central landfill of improperly handling gasses created from waste.
- Broadrock Renewables, the company the town blamed for the unbearable odors, will pay $3 million over the next 20 years and hire an independent company to capture the landfill's gasses; the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation settled with the town in August, agreeing to pay $3 million, with another $2 million paid out to the city for handing control of power generation to a third party.
-
The agreement with Broadrock states that the company will still own the equipment used to collect gasses, it will choose a gas systems manager and operator and pay the cost of employment. The city agreed to dismiss code violations against the company as part of the settlement in addition to resolving not to sue the company again should odor issues arise in the next three years.
From the article:
Broadrock’s power-generating facilities at the landfill, including a new $150-million plant, were shut down over the summer on orders of Johnston’s building official, who cited a range of code violations, including the use of substandard materials, including duct tape and a broomstick to make a repair, in one instance.
Broadrock’s representative...the company’s new president, Doug Wilson, said the main plant will be running “probably within the next few days and certainly by next week.”
Broadrock is scheduled to make its first $100,000 payment to Johnston on Sept. 13 and its final $200,000 payment is due in February 2032.
