Our office is located in Airdrie and we can confirm the stench that rolled through the city Jan. 10. It was unpleasant and very noticeable. We can understand why residents near the Thorlakson Nature’s Call Inc. (TNC) composting facility are upset and can’t imagine that smell being a routine occurrence. While we cannot confirm where the smell emanated from, it was reassuring to hear TNC is taking action to be open and transparent with its operation by inviting residents to an open house or to schedule a tour of the facility. We can only hope the cold and snowy weather did not keep participants away. A Rocky View Weekly reporter is at the facility as we write this and will have an update on this situation in the next edition. It’s undoubtedly a tough spot for everyone with a stake in the issue. We smelt the smell and can empathize with residents who say they are now inundated with the smell that “hangs heavy over the air” and is “ruining” their lives. However, TNC appears to be following the rules set out by Rocky View County and Alberta Environment and Parks. It stops work to investigate when complaints are received, attempted to mitigate odour by purchasing a large mixer to speed up the composting process, and hired Dillon Consulting to conduct odour testing on site. Both parties now find themselves between a rock and a hard place as each side is convinced the other is wrong. We can only hope this invitation to visit the site will help the two sides work together, not against each other, to find a solution
