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Iowa City Neighbors Complain of Stinky Landfill

Workers dump trash Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 at the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling facility in rural Iowa City. Neighbors who live more than a mile from the landfill site have had a problem with a foul oder emanating form the facility for more than a year. Landfill officials say the oder is the result of a rainy than normal past few years which have caused the trash to decompose faster. (Brian Ray/The Gazette)

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Iowa City Neighbors Complain of Stinky Landfill

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 10, 2009 at 12:02 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 10, 2009 at 12:02 PM CST

IOWA CITY (AP) - Officials say too much rain and an influx of debris from last year's flood are causing the stench drifting from Iowa City's landfill.

Neighbors have been dealing with the smelly problem for more than a year, and have filed complaints with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Landfill workers say the problem is the result of too much moisture, which is causing the trash to decompose faster than it can be buried.

The 180-acre landfill is about a mile from the western edge of Iowa City.

Public Works Director Rick Fosse says the city has spent close to $400,000 on the problem, mainly on upgrading the landfill's gas collection system. He says staff will continue to work on solutions.

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