Under a signed court order filed Friday, May 6, 2005, Renewable Environmental Solutions, LLC (RES) is obligated to install a thermal oxidizer, upgrade to a higher efficiency scrubber and close its facility on May 10, the date of Carthage High School graduation, a ceremony held outdoors at K.E. Baker Stadium.
RES Agrees to Install Equipment, Close for Graduation, The Carthage Press, Friday, May 6, 2005.
City of Carthage Attorney, David Mouton said, "It would be nice if it took care of the problem. I'm cautiously optomistic. I'm not ready to dismiss the lawsuit".
The State's Attorney General, Jay Nixon, and the City of Carthage secured the order as a measure to control the odor emissions from the state-of-the-art facility, long criticized for its noxious odor.
The enhanced thermal oxidizer (air polution control device) is to be installed between May 9-22 and RES shall have a 10-day "upset" period in which to operate the enhanced thermal oxidizer. The oxidizer reportedly has eight times the capacity of what RES is currently using. The Company also has 30 days to upgrade to a higher efficiency scrubber, "as an additional odor control". "In the event the thermal oxidizer or the large wet scrubber unit shuts down or becomes inoperable, such equipment will be immediately restarted or repaired, or the facility will be shut down until repairs are made." the order says.
"The parties understand that this Preliminary Consent Order does not constitute a settlement of the claims set for in the Plaintiff's Petition."
Missouri Attorney General, Jay Nixon said, "This court order should help end the odor problem that Carthage residents have had to endure for the last year.
People shouldn't have to put up with these smells, and this agreement should be a big step in the right direction." The RES plant is closed for the installation to begin. The Joplin Globe, Saturday, May 7, 2005,
RES to Install More Odor-Control Gear,,
