Lavigne residents will eventually be able to breathe fresh air as Maricopa County reaches a settlement with the growers market, the area’s stinking composting business. The settlement stipulates that the company must close operations and remove foulsmell compost from that location near 31st Avenue and Dobbins Road. According to Phoenix New TimesThe contract includes the deadline to cease grinding operations by January 20th and the removal of all mulching materials by March 1st.
In a statement obtained by Phoenix New TimesMaricopa County Superintendent Steve Garraldo called the deal a “big victory” for the community, highlighting the county’s commitment to dealing seriously with residents’ complaints and taking prompt action against businesses. However, despite the sense of relief among the residents of Laveen, some remain skeptical, arguing that a real victory will only be realized if the smell that bothered their night completely disappears.
Some of the uncertainties stem from the pile of compost left behind by the now embarrassing AZ green man, formerly known as the grower market. FOX 10 Maricopa County reported fined company owner Neil Brooks and claims $1,000 daily until it complies with an agreed settlement. Neighbors who live near the property have expressed concern with Fox 10 regarding the prolonged compost pile and the time frame for its removal.
As resident Maria Gallegos Avalos made clear in an interview with FOX 10neighbours are troubled by mixing “rotten vegetables, food, beef fertilizer, everything together.” In response to the allegations of non-compliance, the county inspected the property yesterday to ensure that the AZ Green man was not actually complying with compliance, mainly due to the rest of the compost. Supervisor Garraldo emphasized that owners need to “remove all compost from their property and remove any equipment used to continue composting.”
Despite the problems, Laveen residents want better business to replace compost. County officials will enforce settlements to ensure compliance and end long-standing odor issues.
