KNOXVILLE CITY COUNCIL REJECTS ZONING APPEAL AMID COMMUNITY SMELL CONCERNS

KNOXVILLE COUNCIL VOTES ON ZONING DISPUTE FOLLOWING SMELL COMPLAINTS

In the heart of KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, the City Council recently made a significant decision regarding a local business that many residents say has been causing quite the stink—literally. In an 8-0 vote, the council members turned down a resolution aimed at overturning a zoning decision that has been the cause of many heated discussions among folks in the area.

What’s the Stink All About?

The business at the center of it all is Liquid Environmental Solutions (LES), located on Galaway Street. This company specializes in non-hazardous liquid waste management, mainly taking care of grease traps for local restaurants and grocery stores, and managing food waste. However, according to many neighbors, including Knoxville resident Tanner Jessel, the unpleasant smell wafting from the facility is simply unacceptable.

Jessel passionately addressed the council, saying, “My neighbors and I deserve clean air. The same as Nashville, Winston-Salem, and Austin, where this company has fully enclosed its operations.” His sentiments echoed the frustration of several other residents who attended the council meeting to voice their concerns.

A History of Complaints

The saga began on December 14, 2023, when the Knoxville zoning administrator ruled that LES was not complying with city codes, especially the stipulation that a processing facility must conduct its operations in a “completely enclosed building.” Following this determination, the company filed an appeal in June 2024, but the Board of Zoning Appeals denied their request just a month later.

On July 31, 2024, LES once again took its appeal to the city council, leading to the recent vote. But the story isn’t quite black and white, as the argument surrounding the company’s operations has sparked debate about whether it’s really just a zoning issue or a matter of air quality.

Defending the Business

During the council meeting, Alethea Huyser, a Minneapolis-based attorney representing LES, took to the floor to defend the company. She emphasized that LES has been transparent about its operations and is making strides to mitigate the smell emanating from its facility. “Much of the discussion to date, including in front of the zoning board, has conflated issues of air quality and zoning,” Huyser stated.

While admitting that their operations can produce odors, the company representatives assured the council that they have implemented measures to decrease scent emissions. They pointed out that their storage tanks comply with zoning rules since they are “closed tanks.”

More Than Just Smells: Other Issues Raised

While the tense discussion around LES unfolded, the council meeting also provided a platform for other community issues. During the public forum segment, Chris Patterson, a retired captain from the Knoxville Fire Department, stepped forward to share his struggles after suffering a back injury during a rescue operation in 2022. He expressed disappointment over the healthcare he received post-incident and emphasized that he is still awaiting critical support and care.

Kudos to Mayor Indya Kincannon, who assured Patterson that the law director’s office is collaborating with his lawyer to help resolve his ongoing case.

The Road Ahead for LES

As Knoxville residents keep a watchful eye on Liquid Environmental Solutions, the council’s decision underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing business operations with community well-being. With a firm vote against the resolution to overturn the zoning decision, it seems that for the moment, KNOXVILLE will continue to grapple with the pesky odor lingering in the air. Residents are left wondering, what will happen next? Will there be further measures taken to address the smell, or will the business be forced to adapt its operations? Only time will tell!