POLL: City / Tribe Sniff Out Solution to Unpleasant Recycing Smell

Some Shakopee residents living near the intersection of County Road 16 and Canterbury Road (83) have been turning up their noses lately at a facility that opened for business last year.

The , which uses natural processes to break down organic material such as yard trimmings, food waste, and agricultural byproducts into compost, is also creating an odor when the wind is from the right direction," Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke wrote on his website recently.

In April, a Shakopee resident commented on Shakopee Patch that "anyone living on this side of town can plan to kiss summer BBQ's and opening your house up for fresh air goodbye. It already stinks to an almost intolerable level."

He was also concerned that the odor would decrease home values.

Here is what Tabke said is happening to handle the issue:

• has an industrial hygienist working on limiting the odor from the facility.
• 13 odor-monitoring devices have arrived and will be set up around the facility to monitor the odor and weather conditions. Many of the monitors are set up in Shakopee.
• The monitors will take readings and if odor is detected, the facility will be able to proactively make adjustments like turning the piles or adding appropriate materials.
• They have stopped turning the piles on Fridays and cover them up for weekends to keep the odor contained.

Tabke said he's hopeful that these steps will lead to less smell coming from the facility and a return to the quality of life residents in the area expect.

The City of Shakopee uses the facility to dispose of tree materials collected from street sweepings, or that the city otherwise generates – at no charge, according to Shakopee City Administrator Mark McNeill.

Tabke urged patience as the kinks in the new system are worked out.

"I am extremely grateful to the SMSC for working with us and proactively handling this situation," Tabke wrote. "It is very much appreciated."

What do you think? Have you smelled the compost in that area? Is it affecting your quality of life? Tell us in comments.

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