The state has given its endorsement for the cleanliness of McMinnville’s Transfer Station. 

According to Anthony Pelham, who is interim director of the city’s Public Works Department with the departure of Brad Hennessee, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is pleased with city efforts to clean and clear the property once used by the recycling business McMinnville Green.

“As part of the transition from Brad to me, we did invite Mr. Doug Brady out of the Cookeville Environmental Field office for TDEC to come inspect the transfer station,” said Pelham. “He came down and gave us super, super high marks. We received no notice of violations currently as respect to the cleanliness of the site.”

TDEC cited the city and issued notices of non-compliance for the condition of the property when it was used by the recycling business, putting the city in danger of losing its transfer station permit. Efforts to get back in the state’s good graces started in April with the closure of McMinnville Green at the end of February. 

Pelham says a list is being kept regarding expenses if the city elects to pursue restitution from McMinnville Green owner John Hoch.

“Brad has been itemizing all the labor and tipping costs,” said Pelham. “Hopefully, within the next week or two, we can formalize a total cumulative cost for that cleanup. There is still some repair costs that will be forthcoming because of the damage to the doors and tracks. We think that price will be far in excess of any assets that remain out there.”

The city of McMinnville entered into a lease agreement with McMinnville Green in 2017.