4-O-26-RZ Ashley (37901), March 31, 2026 at 3:09 PM
As a local hauler who uses this facility every week, and as someone who also manages grease traps for restaurants in Knoxville, I can say firsthand that this site is operated responsibly and with strict odor-control measures in place. LES keeps the doors closed, pressure washes daily, and uses an air scrubber system that I see operating every time I am there. These are the same observations shared publicly anyone who has been to their facility.
The rezoning being requested will not increase activity, trucks, odors, or the type of material accepted - operations stay exactly the same. What it will do is prevent the company from having to spend nearly $1 million on tank enclosures that engineering reviews show would not reduce odor or provide any benefit to the neighborhood.
As a hauler, I can confirm Knoxville has already gone from three grease-disposal sites down to one, and losing or disrupting this facility would create a serious problem for restaurants, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and utility districts that rely on proper grease disposal to stay compliant and keep sewer systems functioning.
This facility is essential infrastructure for the city, and the rezoning simply allows it to continue operating safely and responsibly, exactly as it does today
