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Community Efforts Lead To Change For Potent Odor in Clinton

A trucking company's waste pond outside of Clinton has been the source of a potent smell in Clinton and last week, it was announced by the EPA they are going to be working to fix the problem.

"Feces-like" is the way one resident described the atrocious odors permeating from H&M Trucking in Clinton. Brad Nixon says he and his family have stopped leaving the front door of their home for anything other than to get in a vehicle. He calls the smell "overpowering".

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Because of the smells and problems with the ponds, residents have turned to two places, the City of Clinton and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Tim Followell, Administrator for the City of Clinton explains because the property of the company is just outside city limits, the City's power over the situation is restricted.

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Kim Biggs with the Illinois EPA confirms they have received a great deal of complaints from Clinton residents about the issue. She says they are working with the company and have been doing so for the past few months.

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According to Biggs, the EPA has been to the site several times. She indicates the company has applied for a special permit that would separate the solids from the wash water with what is going in the pond.

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Followell emphasizes this effort is not to close down H&M Trucking or target their business. He says this is something the community needs to support the company through to do what is best for both parties.

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Nixon also echoes Followell's sentiments. He says he is a Clinton resident who is pro-business and just wants the problem fixed.

Biggs says the EPA will work alongside H&M Trucking until the case is closed and says the company has been "very cooperative" with the Agency.

Representatives of H&M Trucking were contacted for this story. They have been advised to not make comments to the media.

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