Negotiations broke down Wednesday between attorneys for the state and a south suburban composting firm that has been cited for emitting noxious odors. Composting Corp. of America, the largest facility of its kind in the state, has seeded a storm of controversy since it opened in July 1990. That has led to a joint lawsuit filed by the state, Cook County and the nearby village of Lynwood.
Attorneys for both sides had said they hoped to settle the case in time for the spring mowing season, but their talks broke down in the hallway outside the courtroom of Cook County Circuit Judge Monica Reynolds shortly before they were to appear at a hearing.
The case appears headed for trial in late May, and the controversy, which has raged for more than a year, has grown more complicated.
An attorney for Ford Heights has asked to intevene on behalf of the composting firm.
Last fall Ford Heights annexed the nearly 30 acres located on U.S. Highway 30 near Torrence Avenue.
Reynolds agreed to consider the motion and refused to extend an order that limited the facility to accepting grass clippings only on a 3.5-acre
”all-weather pad.”
That means the company can use a much larger area, so long as it complies with environmental regulations.
Two dozen citations have been issued by the Cook County Environmental Control Department, based on nearby residents` complaints of foul odors.
However, Robert Sklodowski, an attorney for the firm, said he is prepared to present several witnesses who also live near the facility and will testify that ”it does not smell.”
”How can he say it doesn`t smell?” asked Dana Matchus, who was among the dozen Lynwood residents in the courtroom.
”Not only does it smell but it makes us all sick and it made my eyelashes fall out.”
