Municipal officials in Tinton Falls have determined a course of action they believe could help address a foul odor residents have said is coming from the Monmouth County Reclamation Center in the borough.
“We have outlined a lot of good things that have never been done before,” Business Administrator Mike Skudera said.
Skudera said that during the Feb. 5 of the Borough Council, he plans to present suggestions that could address and solve issues residents are having with the odor.
During a previous council meeting, residents who live near the reclamation center at 6000 Asbury Ave., have said a highly recognizable odor that permeates the air near the landfill disrupts their quality of life. They asked officials to take action on the matter immediately.
Skudera has developed suggestions he will unveil in two weeks.
Previously, he explained that when a resident calls Monmouth County to submit a complaint about the landfill, but does not fill out required paperwork, county officials cannot pursue the issue.
Skudera said that he, Mayor Vito Perillo, Borough Council President Gary Baldwin and John Mack, the Office of Emergency Management director, met with representatives from the Monmouth County Regional Health Commission during the week of Jan. 7 to discuss the matter further.
Skudera said he will suggest the following items for the consideration of municipal officials, county officials and members of the health commission:
• Equipment – The Monmouth Regional Health Commission should research what, if any, equipment could be used to assist in its inspections when measuring and recording odors;
• Complaint Process – The health commission should provide an easy to read document about what is required by law for the public to file a complaint, citing the sources and regulations that govern this process;
• Anonymous and Incomplete Complaints – Complaints that do not meet guidelines established by statute should still be sent to Monmouth County for the complaints’ awareness by the health commission.
• Increased Access – Health commission inspectors are not permitted to access the landfill at night; their access should increase by Monmouth County;
• Expanded Information – Monmouth County is encouraged to post additional information about the status of the landfill on the internet, allowing for easier access for the public to learn about the operations and upcoming projects that may impact the immediate area;
• Best Practices – Monmouth County is encouraged to study other landfills in New Jersey and update its best practices;
• Working Together – Tinton Falls met with the health commission and should also call a joint meeting with Monmouth County to review these suggestions and coordinate next steps.
