MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Murfreesboro's years-long lawsuit blaming Middle Point Landfill for air and water pollution could soon be settled.

In an announcement made Thursday, the city of Murfreesboro revealed the parameters of a settlement agreement. It includes the construction of a water pre-treatment/treatment center, monthly samples of “forever chemicals,” and a gas and odor management plan overseen by the city itself. 

In other words, Murfreesboro would have more oversight over what happens at the landfill, which residents have been clamoring for. 

“[Middle Point’s] shown repeatedly that they’re not interested in behaving with good will towards the community here. Anything that gives us in our local community more control over how the landfill behaves and the actions they take, I think that's a positive move,” said one resident during a council meeting held on July 17.

“Our community is once again being asked to react to a landfill we didn’t create, and a problem we didn’t bring on ourselves,” said another resident during the same meeting. 

However, not every local has a problem with the landfill. News 2 spoke with residents that live near landfill who were not yet aware of the settlement terms.

One woman, who lives near Middle Point's entrance, said she had no serious complaints about the landfill. She added the issue of smell is dependent on "whatever way the wind blows.” She also quipped, "who handles trash well?" 

With a vote looming, Murfreesboro’s mayor encourages residents to keep using their voice.

“We hope everyone will come back on the 31st to not talk about annexation, but to give us your input on that agreement,” said Mayor Shane McFarland. 

Both Middle Point and the city of Murfreesboro stated they will not comment on the settlement terms until after next week's council vote.

Middle Point has previously stated that the lawsuit "has no merit." 

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/murfreesboro/proposed-landfill-settlement-to-be-considered-by-murfreesboro-officials/