Knoxville City Council Faces Community Backlash Over Controversial Zoning Decisions Amidst Odor Crisis

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Zoning Decisions on the Hot Seat Over Foul Smells

In a lively and sometimes tense atmosphere, the Knoxville City Council is gearing up to tackle a pressing issue affecting a local business and its surrounding community. The focus is on Liquid Environmental Solutions, located on Galaway Street, which specializes in non-hazardous liquid waste management. This company handles grease trap services for restaurants and grocery stores, along with food waste management, but it seems there’s a hitch in paradise — a pungent smell that has left many locals feeling a bit queasy.

Community Up in Arms Over Odors

Neighborhood complaints about this rancid smell have been coming in hot. Amber Eldridge, a concerned resident and spouse of a local worker, passionately spoke at a recent public hearing. “The smell is not contained,” she stated, recounting a distressing experience where her husband and brother were forced to witness their lunch turned into a barf fest. “It smells like death,” she emphasized, resonating with the sentiments of many who live nearby.

This widespread discontent has its roots in a zoning dispute that has been brewing over the past few years. Back on December 14, 2023, the Knoxville zoning administrator determined that Liquid Environmental Solutions was flouting city codes—a huge deal in the world of local governance. The crux of the issue? Processing facilities like this one are mandated to conduct their operations in a completely enclosed building.

Years of Frustration for Neighbors

Tanner Jessel, a long-standing resident in the Parkridge neighborhood, expressed his growing exasperation. “I’ve been fighting the stench for around 8 years,” he lamented. “It’s an overwhelming powerful stench that you can actually taste in your mouth sometimes.” Tanner pointed out the rapid expansion of Liquid Environmental Solutions when they took over an existing operation in 2016—a move he claims was made unlawfully.

Appeals, Back and Forth

The plot thickened when Liquid Environmental Solutions decided to contest the zoning administrator’s verdict. They filed an appeal in June 2024, which was subsequently rejected by the Board of Zoning Appeals a month later. Not one to surrender, the company took its battle to the city council on July 31, 2024.

In their appeal, Liquid Environmental Solutions claimed that the Director of Plans Review and Inspections had misinterpreted the city code. Their attorney, Jeremy Greenhouse, articulated their worries in a letter, declaring that the director’s demands would force the company to invest in costly construction for new, enclosed storage tanks. “It’s not just erroneous,” he maintained. “This interpretation contradicts prior approvals by the same department.”

A Letter from the City

Further complicating matters, a letter from Peter Ahrens, the director of Plans Review and Inspections, laid out the city’s stance clearly. The document highlighted that operations had expanded beyond what was permitted for the previous tenant. Furthermore, the company would need to deliver detailed operational information to ensure compliance with performance standards.

As the tension mounts, the city council is set to hold a discussion on the matter on November 12 at 6 p.m. Should they pass the resolution, it would effectively overturn the zoning administrator’s ruling, potentially allowing Liquid Environmental Solutions to operate without making costly modifications.

What’s Next for Knoxville?

With future decisions hanging in the balance, one can only wonder—will sanity prevail for those living in the stench-filled zone, or will Liquid Environmental Solutions continue its fumes-filled reign? Mark your calendars for November 12 and stay tuned as Knoxville works to untangle this smelly situation!