ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A persistent foul odor in St. Johns County is causing distress for neighbors near Indianhead Biomass, located just off County Road 214.
Last month, six residents filed a lawsuit claiming the facility emits “noxious and foul odors” that are difficult to ignore.
On Thursday night, Indianhead Biomass hosted a class to explain their operations and answer questions from the community.
Joanne McClellan, who lives about a mile or two from the facility, described the odor: “It smells just like an open sewer, just like if you were to open up your septic tank.”
Heather Lane, owner of We Are Planning and a representative for Indianhead Biomass, explained the facility’s work with biosolids, which is treated household waste.
“Indianhead Biomass and Indianhead Exploration, we actually take biosolids and vegetative debris, mix them together and make compost,” Lane said. “Rather than putting the biosolids in the ground or injecting them into oceans and rivers, which is what happens, we’re able to take it and turn it into something else.”
When asked about the lawsuit and complaints alleging the smell resembles sewage, Lane said, “Right now, unfortunately, because of litigation, I can’t speak to that. But that’s why we’re here. We feel compelled to educate people on what we are doing so that we can look towards the future moving forward together.”
McClellan said the smell began in 2021.
“This has just been awful the last couple of years,” she said. “The first thing I do in the morning when I wake up is open my back door and take a deep breath, because then I know, am I going to be able to do what I need to do today, or am I going to have to stay inside like a prisoner?”
St. Johns County Commissioner Ann Taylor said she has heard complaints since January and is seeking a solution that works for everyone.
“Well, I think there has to be a balance,” Taylor said. “We certainly understand that what they’re doing is important to the community. However, we also have to think about the nearby residents.”
