State AG says recycling operation must get local OK, state board changes Jackson Law

A proposed private solid waste recycling facility in Dickson County will have to get the approval of the county commission before getting a state permit, according to a recent opinion from the Tennessee Attorney General. On Tuesday the state’s Solid Waste Disposal Control Board approved an amendment to the 1989 state law requiring local approval that will make it reflect how the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has actually enforced the statute. Representatives of Green Valley Solutions Inc. said in August that the Jackson Law, named for sponsor former state Sen. Doug Jackson, did not apply to its operation proposed for the Dickson County-William D. Field Industrial Park because the law only addresses landfills and recycling operations located at landfills. But the attorney general’s opinion says that has not been the practice of TDEC, which has required local approval for other operations similar to Green Valley Solutions’ proposal. The amendment approved this week and sent back to the AG for review changes the application of the law from only landfills to all “solid waste processing facilities.” In August the Dickson County Commission voted to deny approval for Green Valley Solutions until it receives more information about the proposed operation. Solid Waste Superintendent Jim Lunn said a Green Valley representative contacted him last week about appearing before the Dickson County Sanitation Board to begin the application process again, but has not made a formal request for application. Sanitation board Chairman Ken Nafe has said he wants more information on what type of waste, how much, where it will originate, method of disposal, impact on roads, traffic and surrounding properties before he can recommend approval to the county commission. At Monday night’s commission work session, Mayor Bob Rial said the county “won’t play games this time” when it comes to the need for more information.