The Problem

Carthage City Mayor, Jim Woestman said it best, "As long as he (Brian Appel, CEO Changing World Technologies dba Renewable Environmental Solutions LLC) doesn't think he's creating the smell, he's not working on it. It wasn't there before he moved in."
The Carthage Press, Tuesday, April 3, 2007

RES to Fund Independent Tests

The Joplin Globe, Wednesday, March 28, 2007 reports that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) will allow Renewable Environmental Solutions LLC (RES) to pay for an independent study of odors problems in Carthage. According to MDNR, there have been 121 odor complaints in Carthage since January 1, 2007, with 114 of those specifically about RES. Under the agreement, MDNR officials will select an independent third-party company that conducts tests, and RES will pay the bill. MDNR said however, that first there must be an agreement signed to cover the arrangement. MDNR will be looking for a company that has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency EPA).

In a related article, The Joplin Globe interviewed business owners around the historic Carthage square, regarding the effect of RES's smell has on their business. The smell has been likened to burning flesh or a dead cat. One restaurant owner said that sales are off 34% on days his business is downwind from the RES smell.

I'm Willing to Put My Money Where My Mouth Is

Brian Appel, Chairman of Changing World Technologies dba Renewable Environmental Solutions, LLC (RES) was quoted in The Joplin Globe, Tuesday, March 20, 2007, as saying, I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is, and if it's our odor, we'll take full responsibility." Appel said that RES workers are patrolling for odors, and that the company is operating its own detection equipment that shows no odors from the company but tremendous odors from somewhere else.

Well Brian, the first thing that I'd suggest you do, is have your workers set their detection equipment up, down wind from your plant. The second thing that I would suggest you do, is to stop talking long enough to shut your mouth, and try breathing through your nose. You'll smell it!

If You Smell It, Report It

Carthage City Attorney, Nate Dally, was quoted as saying, "If you smell it, report it" referring to Renewable Environmental Solutions LLC (RES).

Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
MDNR Southwest Regional Office 417-891-4300
MDNR Carthage Satellite Office 417-359-1524 or 417-359-1525
MDNR 24-Hour weekend number 573-634-2436

The more calls that are registered, the more effective MDNR is in responding. Giving your name is a plus. Being able to pinpoint the area of the source of the odor is critical. If MDNR has a point to start with, chances are better that the smell may be identified.