State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, is applauding a Davidson County Chancery Court ruling that halts a proposed vertical expansion of Middle Point Landfill (MPL) requiring the proposal to undergo the required regional review.
Court affirms community’s right to proper review
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, is applauding a Davidson County Chancery Court ruling that halts a proposed vertical expansion of Middle Point Landfill (MPL) requiring the proposal to undergo the required regional review.
In October, BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee, the operators of MPL, submitted a 627-page proposal to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) seeking a 70-foot vertical expansion that would add an estimated 19 million tons of waste on top of the existing landfill.
The city of Murfreesboro filed a lawsuit in December arguing the proposal bypassed the state-mandated review process by the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board.
The court granted the city’s request for a writ of mandamus on Feb. 10, directing TDEC to pause its review of the application until the proposal is first considered by the regional board.
“This latest expansion attempt bypassed a process that state law clearly requires,” Terry said. “The court’s decision is a major win for our community and ensures no one gets to sidestep the rules.”
The decision relied in part on a 2022 law enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly that requires courts to independently interpret statutes instead of deferring to a state agency’s interpretation.
The ruling marks another chapter in a lengthy legal battle between the city and the landfill, driven by environmental concerns, more than 4,000 community complaints and repeated expansion attempts.
Throughout his time in the legislature, Terry has made protecting his constituents from the impacts of poor solid waste management a consistent priority. He has advanced legislation and maintains ongoing communication with local leaders and TDEC officials to address those concerns.
In 2022, he spearheaded the passage of a law preventing TDEC from issuing a landfill permit when the courts have ruled against it, reinforcing local oversight and judicial review. He also guided the creation of the Advisory Task Force on Solid Waste in 2025 which will study disposal practices and explore alternatives such as recycling and incineration over the next four years.
“Protecting quality of life while honoring legislative intent is essential,” Terry said. “I’m proud to see the city defend a process that holds operators accountable and ensures our community’s voice is heard.”
The proposal now moves to the Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board for review.
Bryan Terry represents District 48 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes the eastern half of Rutherford County.
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