PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- The mayor of Johnston has shut down the operations of an energy company at the state's Central Landfill over objectionable odors.
Mayor Joseph Polisena says he ordered BroadRock Gas Services to cease operations Tuesday after a city inspector found the company's pipes in disrepair. Polisena says odors from the landfill have gotten worse in the past few weeks.
A statement from BroadRock spokesperson Bill Fischer said Tuesday's action "came as a complete surprise" and that the company has been working cooperatively with the town to address issues.
"BroadRock's new collection and treatment system has been working efficiently and safely to collect and process landfill gas," the statement said. "BroadRock is not releasing untreated landfill gas from the new facility into the atmosphere."
The statement said that shutting down the new system "forces BroadRock to fall back on the old, inefficient flares for gas destruction, which is inconsistent with modern methods for controlling and beneficially using landfill gas."
Residents near the landfill have long complained about noxious odors. The Town of Johnston has sued the landfill over the stench, and last year the state's environmental agency fined the landfill and BroadRock for failing to take appropriate action.
This item was originally posted at 3 p.m.