(Memphis) The request for a mulching company to operate a wood chipper close to a community of homes and schools has set off a fierce debate, with long discussions held on Tuesday night.
Councilwoman Wanda Halbert hosted a dialogue at American Way Middle School, one of the two schools within the vicinity of MTL Environment’s mulching business.
American Way Middle and Getwell Elementary School, Delta Medical Center, a nursing home, and a church, are all close by. They are adjacent to a light industrial zone where businesses like mulching are allowed.
The exception MTL is requesting, is to operate a wood chipper.
But a child impact study, ordered by Memphis City Schools, said bio aerosols from that activity could travel 1600 feet or more.
“Dust particles can travel a mighty long way, so this study noted it could travel 1600 feet or more. So that’s going to be within the vicinity of a lot of the sensitive population,” said Pastor James Henderson, whose church is probably closest to the MTL property.
Henderson is worried about the 78 children in his daycare who have to play outside every day.
“The potential of danger, of health risks. The potential could be small, it could be large, nobody knows.”
The community held meetings previously, but MTL was not present to talk to them or answer questions until Tuesday night.
MTL Environment hired its own expert, debunking many of the findings of the child impact study.
The company says its wood chipping does not create sawdust, and they do not compost materials, which would have created strong odors.
A representative from MTL told the audience, “Quite honestly, some of the information presented in those meetings are very misleading and inaccurate.”
He added, “The fervor against us is based largely on inaccuracies.”
The fervor has reached the children who go to American Way Middle School, who are watching experts debate each other’s findings.
“It’s hard for us to understand that, because you know we’re just kids,” said Hadja Bah, the student council president. “I feel scared, and I don’t think it’s such a good idea.”
Councilwoman Halbert said legislators would have to carefully consider the facts, in addition to strong public opinion.
“It’s very difficult often to go against your community, especially when they speak in large numbers and so we want to hear exactly what the concerns are,” Halbert said.
She also made note of the unusually strong response from the large group, wearing shirts and signing petitions.
“I have not seen it to this magnitude. I have been very surprised, pleasantly surprised, that the community was willing to step up and express their views and opinions about it.”
The full council will vote on the issue on Tuesday, April 17.