Bristol, Virginia, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Bristol, Virginia, are frustrated by persistent odors from the city landfill, prompting a state panel’s recommendation for its permanent closure due to air pollution concerns. City officials are undertaking maintenance projects to address issues, but residents demand more transparency and quicker solutions. Legal challenges have also emerged from Bristol, Tennessee, regarding the landfill’s odor management, leading to a federal court mandate for mitigation measures. The landfill’s issues have significant environmental and health implications for the community.
Bristol, Virginia’s Landfill Faces Closure Amid Odor and Pollution Concerns
Residents of Bristol, Virginia, are expressing growing frustration with ongoing odors emanating from the city landfill. Many residents have voiced their dissatisfaction, stating they are “tired of waiting and tired of the smell.” City officials are responding to these concerns and are actively seeking solutions to mitigate the issue.
Council member Neal Osborne confirmed that maintenance projects are currently underway at the landfill. These projects include replacing old valve stations and components of the gas management system. Observations indicate that odors from the landfill tend to worsen during colder temperatures, though routine air quality tests conducted by the city have shown no hazardous fumes present to date.
Despite the city’s efforts, residents are left questioning how long it will take for the odors to mostly or completely dissipate. Community patience is reported to be running thin, but some residents acknowledge that officials are being transparent about the challenges and efforts involved in resolving the issue. There is a call for mutual understanding to achieve future success as the city navigates this problem.
A state panel has recently recommended the permanent closure of Bristol’s landfill due to several deficiencies related to air pollution and persistent odors. This recommendation came after two years of complaints from residents about declining air quality. The investigation by the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which started in 2020, revealed that chemical reactions are occurring below the landfill’s surface. The findings pointed towards inadequate stormwater management and a lack of necessary infrastructure as contributing factors.
The landfill is estimated to contain approximately 300 million gallons of water, with samples showing elevated levels of benzene, a harmful chemical known to be released from the waste. Issues such as failures in the landfill’s liner system and insufficient soil coverage have worsened the odor problem and increased gas emissions. The facility accepts around 500 tons of waste daily, and experts have urged the city to halt new waste acceptance until the identified deficiencies can be addressed effectively.
Developed on a former rock quarry site, the landfill cost Bristol approximately $20 million to build and opened in 1998 despite prior concerns from state regulators about engineering challenges. To date, the city has already expended over $3 million on odor reduction efforts. Complaints have also come from residents in neighboring Tennessee, which has prompted the involvement of state agencies.
In 2022, Bristol, Tennessee, filed a lawsuit against Bristol, Virginia, citing issues related to odor management and violations of the Clean Air Act and Resource Recovery Act. A federal court issued a consent order that mandates Bristol, Virginia, to pay $300,000 to Bristol, Tennessee, cease landfill operations, secure DEQ approval for closure, and implement an air monitoring system until mitigation measures are effectively in place. This consent order was considered fair and appropriate in the public interest, particularly following Bristol, Virginia’s cooperation in addressing landfill-related issues.
The Quarry Landfill has been closed since September 9, 2022, amid ongoing legal and environmental challenges that center on odor management and pollution concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are residents frustrated with the Bristol landfill?
Residents express frustration about ongoing odors from the landfill, stating they are “tired of waiting and tired of the smell.”
What is being done to address the landfill odor?
City officials acknowledge the concerns and are actively seeking solutions. Maintenance projects at the landfill are underway, including replacing old valve stations and components of the gas system.
What has the state panel recommended regarding the landfill?
A state panel has recommended that Bristol, Virginia, permanently close its landfill due to several deficiencies related to air pollution and odors.
What findings led to the recommendation for closure?
An expert panel found chemical reactions occurring below the landfill’s surface, exacerbated by poor stormwater management and a lack of necessary infrastructure.
What are the legal actions taken regarding the landfill?
Bristol, Tennessee, filed a lawsuit against Bristol, Virginia, over the landfill’s odor management, resulting in a federal court consent order mandating Bristol, Virginia to pay $300,000 and halt landfill operations among other requirements.
Key Features of Bristol’s Landfill Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bristol, Virginia |
| Primary Issue | Odors from the landfill |
| Daily Waste Accepted | Approximately 500 tons |
| Landfill Closure Date | September 9, 2022 |
| Legal Actions | Consent order involving Bristol, Tennessee |
| Costs Incurred | Over $3 million spent on odor reduction |
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Additional Resources
- WCYB – City Officials Assure Residents of Ongoing Efforts to Address Bristol Landfill Odors
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- Virginia Mercury – State Panel Urges Bristol to Close Landfill
- Google Search: Bristol Virginia Landfill
- WJHL – Bristol VA Under Fire for Communication Surrounding Landfill Progress
- Google Scholar: Bristol Virginia Landfill
- Waste Today Magazine – Bristol Landfill Litigation Finalized
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Virginia Landfill
- Virginia Mercury – Virginia and Bristol Reach Settlement Over Landfill Odors
- Google News: Bristol Virginia Landfill
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
