BPW Will Look Into Compost Odor
By Diane Ivey

Mackinac Island's Board of Public Works will look into a new way to manage the smell coming from composting operations at the Solid Waste Handling Facility.

City Alderman Frank Bloswick brought his concerns about the odor to the board's meeting Wednesday, August 13, saying strong odor from the facility drifts into Harrisonville, especially during hot summer days.

"In the past few days, when the wind is blowing, we're getting some really strong odors from the compost pile," Mr. Bloswick said at the meeting.

One solution to the problem, he said, would be a biological formula called EM-1, which controls ammonia and manure smells with microorganisms. EM, which stands for effective microorganisms, eliminates odors instead of masking them, he said.

Residents and golfers at the Wawashkamo golf links have complained for years about odor problems at the solid waste facility on British Landing Road and the wastewater treatment plant on Stonecliffe Road.

BPW Chairman Tom Lewand said he recognizes the problem, and told the Town Crier that he has asked public works director Bruce Zimmerman to investigate EM-1 and other odor control products.

"I know that probably on 350 days of the year, the odor is not a problem," Mr. Lewand said. "But on a few days, if the wind is blowing in the right direction, the odor can be a problem."

He said he appreciates the Island's ability to recycle 57% of its trash, but the mixing of compost and some weather conditions can lead to odor problems.

"I know that occasionally the landfill did not smell as perfect as we would like it to," he said. "And Mr. Bloswick offered a suggestion that we are going to take seriously. We are trying to maintain a very clean landfill, and I know we have all sorts of odor control products and masking agents. But even with all that, occasionally it is not perfect."

The BPW is also looking into funding for improvements for the wastewater treatment facility. The project will cost around $4 million, Mr. Lewand said, and the board will try to fund some of it with state grants.

Construction will start in the spring and be spread out over the next three years.

"We want to make sure the plant stays in good working order for the next 20 years," Mr. Lewand said.