The council meeting was dominated by the issue of landfill odors and the inadequacy of the current system in place to manage and respond to resident complaints. Waste Management presented a multifaceted plan that aimed to mitigate emissions through additional flaring, improved cover materials, and a significant investment in environmental controls such as final and temporary capping of the landfill, as well as gas system expansions. The plan also included the construction of a gas processing plant in collaboration with New Jersey Natural Gas and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Residents and council members alike voiced their concerns over the landfill’s odors, with the discourse revealing frustration over the existing complaint system’s response time and effectiveness. The council discussed the need for a more transparent website to allow residents to submit and track odor complaints. There was a consensus on the need for a centralized platform that would facilitate better communication and provide updates to the community.

In response to these concerns, the council considered several measures to improve the current system. There was debate over the accuracy and effectiveness of odor monitors, with suggestions for a pilot program to test their efficacy. The possibility of implementing shift work and staffing at the landfill to improve response times was also discussed. A resident’s suggestion to enable reporting of odors detected offsite, rather than just from their homes, was noted, highlighting the need for flexibility in the complaint filing process.

The mayor emphasized the discrepancy between the number of odor complaints and on-site visits. The proposal to have complaints directed to the county board of health was discussed as a potential solution to streamline the process and improve alignment with the county’s Department of Health criteria.

Residents shared their experiences with the hotline, with one noting both positive and negative aspects of calling in complaints. Another resident from Ocean Township inquired about the timeline for the landfill’s 75% cap and the establishment of an online odor complaint process. The discussion also touched on the frequency of significant rainfall years and the need to monitor hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds more proactively.

The council meeting also addressed other community concerns, albeit with less intensity than the landfill odor issue. The Mutual Aid process received commendations, and there was an expression of commitment to making decisions that would enhance residents’ quality of life. A brief mention was made of the M County Sheriff’s Department EMS response times, and the council acknowledged the efforts of the volunteers.

The Borough Clerk reminded attendees about the deadline for County committee petition submissions. An update was provided on the switch from WebEx to a hybrid system for the environmental commission meeting. Additionally, the progress of the local library and plans to address a problematic intersection were discussed. Public input included a complaint regarding potholes on West Park and a request to reinstate the K9 unit for the police department.