Arbor Hills continues to mismanage the landfill. The latest evidence shows 90 odor complaints in just 15 days, during the coldest part of the year. We shouldn't let such a poorly managed landfill expand. One way we can do this is by collecting signatures on a public petition to the committee responsible for deciding on the new landfill.
<Click Here> to review and sign the petition.
Petition to Washtenaw County Commissioners
The approval process for the proposed NEW LANDFILL requires approval from the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Please take a moment to review and consider adding your name to a petition calling on the Board of Commissioners to DENY the proposed new landfill.
Please share the electronic petition with friends, family, and other social groups. Consider asking your HOA board to share the petition with your neighbors. The Conservancy Initiative will send the petition to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners in early 2026.
Increase in Odors
90 Odor Complaints were received during the first 15 days of December. The complaints were immediately forwarded to the landfill, EGLE, and several community leaders. EGLE conducted at least two odor surveillance sessions. EGLE observed community odors but did not feel they warranted a violation. The odor severity likely decreased by the time EGLE arrived.
90 odor Complaints in 15 days
The odors are real. Compliants are only received when the winds blow towards Northville neighborhoods
Explanation for Odors
Landfill gases are collected from the wells by applying a vacuum. GFL reported to EGLE that they are experiencing difficulty reaching the desired vacuum level on a group of wells and have hired a contractor to make necessary repairs. The landfill perimeter monitors have detected increased levels of landfill gas leaking fugitively. EGLE did not provide a timeline for these repairs. GFL also reported that several loads of foul-smelling compost were delivered to the compost site. GFL has stopped accepting compost from the responsible site.
Whenever noxious odors are present, please continue to report noxious odors using The Conservancy Initiative odor reporting system.
Landfill Approval Process
The Washtenaw County Material Management Planning committee is meeting on the second Wednesday of each month (meeting details). Although the NEW LANDFILL issue has not been addressed, all attendees may make comments (2 minutes) at the end of each meeting. The committee is expected to begin discussions on the NEW LANDFILL proposal in February or March 2026 and reach a decision in the Summer of 2026.
Stop Arbor Hills Townhall
The Conservancy Initiative will host a Community Town Hall on January 12th at 6:30 PM in the Northville High School auditorium. Please plan to attend.