Superior Court rules in favor of Seattle compost company over odor allegations

A Snohomish County, Washington, Superior Court jury on Friday ruled in favor of Cedar Grove Composting, Seattle, in a nuisance claim brought by a Marysville, Washington, man.

“We are relieved with this outcome and pleased with this vote of support for the services we provide to the community,” says Jay Blazey, general counsel for Cedar Grove. “We remain committed to being a good neighbor and will continue our efforts to mitigate against any odors leaving our Everett property.”

Cedar Grove Composting is a local, family-owned business that diverts more than 350,000 tons of yard waste and food scraps from landfills annually. With two processing facilities in Maple Valley and Everett, Cedar Grove is a manufacturer providing green jobs in King and Snohomish Counties.

The plaintiff in the Snohomish County trial sought compensation based on allegations of nuisance odors emanating from Cedar Grove’s Smith Island facility in Everett. He did not make claims for personal injuries or loss of home value.

During the trial, Cedar Grove presented evidence and testimony showing the various other odor sources in the area, including wastewater treatment plants, other industrial operations and a closed landfill.

Ultimately, the jury on Friday, April 7 decided that Cedar Grove did not act unlawfully or fail to perform a duty that unreasonably interfered with the use and enjoyment of the plaintiff’s property.

Cedar Grove was represented by Michael Patterson and Kasper Sorensen of the Seattle law firm Patterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch.