Missouri Attorney General's Office Looks Into Bridgeton Landfill Lawsuit

The director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has asked the state's attorney general’s office to look into legal action against Republic Services, which owns the landfill. This could mean another lawsuit against the owners of the Bridgeton Landfill could soon be in the works, according to a report by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

According to the article, “DNR Director Sara Parker Pauley sent a letter to the attorney general’s agricultural and environment division Thursday, requesting the state ‘institute appropriate legal action to resolve any past, present, or future environmental violations.’”

The Bridgeton Landfill has been a point of controversy and concern as a strong odor has been emitting from the site. In addition, an underground fire has been discovered at the site, and it sits opposite of the

On March 21, Republic released a statement in which is said it is fully cooperating.

"Bridgeton Landfill, LLC has been cooperating with MDNR and local government officials at all levels as we work to resolve the odor issues at the landfill," the statement reads, "We're now looking forward to also working with Attorney General Koster and his team."

The company plans to work on a solution to minimize the odors.

"As a part of our efforts to manage the odors at the Bridgeton Landfill, we will be drilling gas collection wells over the next five days," the statement reads. "During this time, there is the potential for an increase in short-term odors."

Earlier this week,

Repulic does house one of its two recycling facitlites in the City of Hazelwood. It has not been linked to any of the contaminant issues.

Last summer, the facility did catch fire which caused severe damage to the site and needed the help of two additional fire districts to contain.

The cause of that fire was never determined. The facility is undergoing renovations to keep it up-to-date and able to handle its growing business.

The attorney general’s office declined to comment in the article.

For related coverage, check out:

• Missouri Officials to Test Air Around Bridgeton Landfill
• Hazelwood Recycling Center Part of Republic Services $19-Million Investment
• Fire Claims Hazelwood Recycling Facility
• Cause of Republic Fire in Hazelwood Unable to be Determined
• Hazelwood Fire Department to Meet with Republic Regarding Saturday Fire