Residents sue Lee landfill operator over odors

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Eight people are suing the operator of a landfill in Lee County, complaining about the odors.

The State newspaper reported (http://bit.ly/UWtVn0) that the group of residents has sued Republican Services Inc.

The latest legal action comes just months after a federal jury ordered Republic to pay more than $2 million in damages to six people who said the landfill smelled so bad it ruined the enjoyment of their property.

The new lawsuits ask the court to shut down the landfill if the bad smells are not stopped. It also seeks damages from Republic.

Republican spokeswoman Peg Mulloy would not talk about the lawsuits. Company lawyers previously have said state regulators did not find serious odor problems when the company acquired the landfill four years ago.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com