Cease and Desist

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has ordered Renewable Environmental Solutions LLC (RES) to Cease and Desist. The order was to be delivered to RES by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Thursday, December 29, 2005. According to The Carthage Press, Thursday, December 29, 2005, http://www.carthagepress.com/articles/2005/12/29/news/news1.txt, the abatement order requires that RES stop any activities that would emit odor past its property boundaries. MDNR has been issued the task of determining if the facility can function in a "community friendly manner".

Carthage City Attorney David Mouton said that Governor Blunt's action was helpful and he was glad that the state was taking notice of the city and area problem. Mounton said that the Governor's order did two things: First, it closed the plant until there was a review to determine additional steps. Secondly, it opened up the door to the Attorney General Jay Nixon's office. Mr Mouton said that violations can now be referred directly to that office and violations can be prosecuted.

RES's Air Discharge Permit has been suspended for 60 days (or until further notice) according to The Joplin Globe, Friday December 30, 2005, http://www.joplinglobe.com/story.php?story_id=216894&PHPSESSID=0e6833793f8d9b46f3100ee6b8781baa. Before reinstatement of the permit and resuming operations, RES must take "any and all steps necessary to ensure that odors from operating the facility will not result in the emission of odors at a level such as to cause a clear and present danger to the public welfare. That includes, but is not limited to , soliciting technical assistance from recognized experts in the field of odor abatement." RES is to submit a plan to the State within seven days, outlining measures that have been undertaken or will be taken.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director, Doyle Childers said, " I understand that they (RES) have new equipment being installed. The goal is to find a way to operate without intruding on the lives of the folks of Carthage. That's what the Governor told us to do. We want to work toward a solution, not close down the company. But given the choice of citizens going through another year of smells or closing the plant down, the Governor said we'll close it down if that's what we have to do."

US Representative Roy Blunt (father to Missouri Governor Matt Blunt) said that his son made an "absolutely correct" decision in ordering the MDNR to close the RES plant. Rep. Blunt said that the plant has had plenty of time to solve its problems, and that the "needs of the citizens come before the use of this new technology".