Yaphank compost site to fight DEC curbs

The operator of a Yaphank compost site intends to fight a recent state decision that revoked the facility’s permission to operate an open-air waste transfer station.

Charles Vigliotti, president of Long Island Compost, which owns the Great Gardens facility on Horseblock Road, said his lawyers planned to appeal the decision by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“We’re taking issue with several of the department’s conclusions and recommendations,” Vigliotti said.

Last week, the DEC sent a letter to Long Island Compost stating that because of complaints about odor and dust from the 62-acre compost site, the company would have to enclose the waste-transfer station, limit the amount of unbagged mulch stored outside, and would not be allowed to store uncured compost materials on site.

Vigliotti can appeal the decision before the changes take effect Nov. 11.

The DEC had no comment Tuesday.

Nearby residents have long complained about smells from the compost site. Last month Vigliotti agreed to reduce the amount of grass clippings at the compost site by 90 percent, eliminating a source of foul odors because grass clippings decompose quickly.