TDEC permit SNL530000203 expansion is under review. Public comment period open. Learn how to comment →
Independent Community Oversight

Holding Tennessee Landfills Accountable

We collect, organize, and publish public records about landfill operations across Tennessee. Our goal is transparency: every citizen deserves to know what waste is being buried in their community and who is responsible.

17
Public Documents Archived
3
TDEC Inspections (2025)
1
Active Permit Under Review
95
Tennessee Counties

What the Public Records Show

Every claim below is sourced from official documents. Click citations to view the original records. Claims marked with a warning tag need additional documentation.

Operating Agreement Gives Republic Broad Authority

The 2022 Second Amended Operating Agreement between Loudon County and Republic Services grants the operator significant discretion over expansion decisions, while the county retains property ownership with limited operational oversight provisions.

Contract Review

Recycling Diversion Data Not Publicly Reported

Loudon County does not publish annual recycling diversion rates. The 2024 Annual Engineering Report filed with TDEC does not include comprehensive recycling statistics, making it impossible for residents to verify compliance with state waste reduction goals.

Transparency Gap

Notice of Violation Issued January 2025

A formal Notice of Violation was issued to Republic Services on January 16, 2025. Republic responded on January 31, 2025. The specific violations and corrective actions are documented in the public record.

Enforcement Action

7-Acre Expansion Under TDEC Review

Republic Services has submitted permit modification applications to TDEC for a 7-acre expansion of the Matlock Bend Landfill. The permit file (SNL530000203) is open for public inspection at TDEC's Nashville office.

Permit Activity

Three TDEC Inspections in 2025

TDEC conducted Class I inspections on June 9, July 21, and July 29, 2025. Inspection reports detail compliance status with permit conditions. These reports are public records available upon request.

Regulatory Oversight

Waste Accepted from Multiple Counties — Needs Documentation

Status: Under Investigation. The 2022 Operating Agreement references waste acceptance from jurisdictions beyond Loudon County, but specific volume data, origin counties, and contractual terms are not documented in publicly available records. TDEC permit files may contain waste characterization studies that could verify this claim.

Data Gap — Research Needed
Needed TDEC waste characterization reports; monthly tonnage reports by origin; host county agreements with adjacent counties

Documented Timeline

Key events sourced from official records. Dates are as stated in the documents.

January 2007

Original Operating Agreement Executed Contract

Loudon County Solid Waste Disposal Commission entered into an operating agreement with Santek Environmental Services for the Matlock Bend Landfill.

July 2007

Third Amendment to Operating Agreement Contract

Third amendment to the original operating agreement, modifying terms between Loudon County and Santek Environmental Services.

April 2022

Second Amended Operating Agreement Contract

Current operating agreement between Loudon County and Republic Services (successor to Santek). Governs current operations and expansion procedures.

May 2022

Proposed Amendment Summary Contract

Summary of proposed amendments to the operating agreement under consideration at that time.

November 21, 2024

Public Hearing on Expansion Permit

Public hearing held regarding the proposed landfill expansion. Presentation materials filed with the record.

January 9, 2025

LCSWDC Workshop Meeting

Loudon County Solid Waste Disposal Commission workshop packet. Materials distributed for the January 2025 workshop.

January 16, 2025

Notice of Violation Issued Enforcement

Formal Notice of Violation issued to Republic Services. Republic filed a response on January 31, 2025.

March 20, 2025

LCSWDC Workshop and Supplement Meeting

Loudon County Solid Waste Disposal Commission workshop packet and supplemental materials for the March 2025 meeting.

June 9, 2025

TDEC Class I Inspection Inspection

Initial Class I inspection conducted by TDEC Division of Solid Waste Management for Permit SNL530000203.

July 21, 2025

TDEC Class I Inspection Inspection

Follow-up Class I inspection conducted. Report documents compliance status with permit conditions.

July 29, 2025

TDEC Construction Inspection Inspection

Construction inspection for permit compliance. Report filed with TDEC.

March 19, 2026

LCSWDC Meeting Packet Meeting

Loudon County Solid Waste Disposal Commission meeting packet for March 2026.

April 16, 2026

LCSWDC Meeting Packet Meeting

Loudon County Solid Waste Disposal Commission meeting packet for April 2026.

May 21, 2026

LCSWDC Meeting Packet Meeting

Loudon County Solid Waste Disposal Commission meeting packet for May 2026. Most recent public meeting materials on file.

2025–2026

Permit Modification Under Review Permit

TDEC is reviewing permit modification applications for the 7-acre expansion. Public comment may be submitted during the review period.

Source Contact TDEC Division of Solid Waste Management at (615) 532-0780 or visit tn.gov/environment

Public Document Archive

All documents obtained through public records requests or downloaded from official government websites. Last updated: May 26, 2026.

View All 17 Documents on GitHub →

Community Tools

Free resources to help you engage with the public process.

Upcoming Meetings & Deadlines

Dates are subject to change. Verify with the hosting body before attending.

LCSWDC Regular Meeting

Third Thursday monthly, 6:00 PM, Loudon County Courthouse. Check loudoncounty-tn.gov for exact dates.

Recurring

TDEC Permit SNL530000203

Public comment may be submitted during active review periods. Contact TDEC at (615) 532-0780 for current status.

Under Review

Loudon County Commission

Monthly meetings, typically first Monday. Agendas posted at loudoncounty-tn.gov.

Recurring

Tennessee Public Records Request Generator

Generate a request under T.C.A. § 10-7-503. Copy, customize with your details, and send to the records custodian.

TENNESSEE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REQUEST

Date: [Date]

To: Records Custodian
TDEC Division of Solid Waste Management
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, Nashville, TN 37243

Dear Records Custodian,

Under the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503 et seq.), I request access to and copies of the following records:

Select a request type above to generate specific language.

I request these records in electronic format (PDF) if available. Please inform me of any fees before processing.

If you deny any portion of this request, please cite the specific exemption and provide a written explanation as required by law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]

Contribute Information

Help us keep this resource accurate and complete. Submit tips, corrections, documents, or research leads. Every submission is reviewed before publication.

Elected Representatives

Contact information for officials representing Loudon County. Verify current assignments at wapp.capitol.tn.gov.

RM

Sen. Randy McNally

Senate District 5 — Lt. Governor
Leadership
MF

Rep. Monty Fritts

House District 32
Agriculture Committee
LR

Rep. Lowell Russell

House District 21
Multiple Committees

TDEC Division of Solid Waste Management

Permit No. SNL530000203 | (615) 532-0780 | tn.gov/environment

How to Engage

Concrete steps for participating in the public process. None of these require special expertise or membership.

Attend Public Meetings

  1. Find the meeting. LCSWDC meets monthly (typically third Thursday, 6:00 PM). Check loudoncounty-tn.gov for the current schedule.
  2. Arrive early. Meetings are open to the public. Sign up to speak if public comment is offered.
  3. Ask specific questions. Reference permit numbers, document dates, or specific contract clauses. General complaints are less effective than targeted questions.
  4. Document the response. Take notes on what officials say. Follow up in writing if commitments are made.

File Public Records Requests

  1. Use the generator above to draft a Tennessee Public Records Act request (T.C.A. § 10-7-503).
  2. Submit to the correct custodian. TDEC records go to the Division of Solid Waste Management. County records go to the Loudon County Mayor's office.
  3. Request electronic format. PDFs are faster and cheaper than paper copies.
  4. Follow up. Tennessee law requires a response within 7 business days. If denied, request a written citation of the specific exemption.

Contact Elected Officials

  1. Call before emailing. Phone calls are harder to ignore than emails and create a direct conversation.
  2. Be specific. Reference permit SNL530000203, the 2022 Operating Agreement, or specific inspection dates. Vague messages get form responses.
  3. Ask for action, not awareness. Instead of "I'm concerned," say "I request that you [specific action]."
  4. Follow up in writing. Summarize phone conversations in an email to create a paper trail.

Submit Public Comment

  1. Monitor permit status. Call TDEC at (615) 532-0780 and ask about the current status of Permit SNL530000203 and whether a public comment period is open.
  2. Submit written comment. When a comment period is open, submit written comments referencing specific permit conditions or regulatory standards.
  3. Request a hearing. If a formal hearing is not scheduled, you can request one through TDEC's administrative procedures.
  4. Share findings. If you obtain records through FOIA, consider sharing them so other residents can build on your work.

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