Complaints about foul odors emanating from the Apex Landfill have been an ongoing headache for Jefferson County officials. Those living within nose-range of the facility may have reason to hope the problem will be alleviated.

During their meeting last week, county commissioners heard a report from Health Commissioner Nicole Balakos about work to “develop working relationships” with those who operate the landfill. It appears initiatives by both Apex and county officials may pay off.

Balakos said one advance has been improved communication between the health department and Apex. She explained that on that day, she received a notice from the landfill regarding its gas plant operator. “Now, if we receive a cluster of gas odor calls, I will already know the cause … This type of newly designed communication is improving our ability to hold the landfill accountable.”

Regarding accountability — not just by Apex but by others — Balakos told commissioners she has made an important change at the health department. In the past, health department inspectors were required to get approval before issuing notices of various kinds of violations, she said. Now, they operate through a “see it, cite it” policy with all licensees. That includes the landfill and other establishments, including restaurants.

Balakos emphasized citations issued by inspectors carry with them no penalties — but do require those receiving the citations correct them within certain time frames.

All this seems to be an improvement — and, again, it needs to be noted that Apex appears to be working with the health department. But the proof is in the pudding, as they say.

Balakos told county commissioners that thus far this year, her department has issued nine notices of violations to the landfill. Ideally, Apex would be doing its job so well that there would be no violations.

At some point, county commissioners may want evidence of progress — and that will come not just in the form of fewer citations but also through a dramatic decrease in complaints from people living near the landfill.