County files lawsuit against Laveen composting facility over foul odor

LAVEEN, AZ — Maricopa County filed a lawsuit Wednesday evening against the operator of a Laveen composting facility.

Since the summer, ABC15 has covered dozens of complaints about a persistent foul odor coming from the area of ​​32nd Avenue and Dobbins Road.

After a Zoom hearing on Nov. 5, a county judgment found the property violated a zoning ordinance for operating the business in a rural area, without an appropriate agricultural exemption permit.

Operator Neal Brooks was then issued a “cease and desist” order to abandon the business by March 10.

RELATED: Neighbors complain to ABC15 about bad smell coming from Laveen facility

In a complaint filed Wednesday, the county said the defendants chose not to comply with the order and face the fines.

The complaint states that a neighbor observed and filmed the dumping of mulch on the property, which continued for several days.

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In early December, the county contacted “AZ Green Guys” and Brooks admitted to bringing additional equipment to the location, which the county said violated the November order.

A few days later, a neighbor observed and filmed a load of what appeared to be drywall being dumped on the property.

The legal filing says complaints about the composting company are daily, with Maricopa County Air Quality receiving more than 770 to date, the Development Department receiving more than 55 to date and Services environmental issues, receiving more than 50 to date.

The county alleges that the mulching operation continued even after the November ruling, and the county is asking the court to enforce the ban.

A court hearing will take place on January 7 to decide next steps. ABC15 will be following this court hearing and bringing you updates.