CORPORATE CRIME: Seneca County WIN Waste/Sunny Farms Landfill Falsified Inspection Reports

SENECA COUNTY, OHIO – The Sunny Farms Landfill, operated by WIN Waste Innovations, is under fire after the Seneca County Board of Health issued a resolution declaring its intent to deny the company’s 2025 operating license. The resolution, passed unanimously, accuses WIN Waste of falsifying inspection reports and violating numerous environmental regulations.

At the heart of the scandal lies Ben Nutter, the individual responsible for overseeing landfill operations. Many community members are calling for him to face legal consequences, with some even suggesting jail time for his role in the alleged misconduct.

A Pattern of Noncompliance

The Board of Health resolution outlines a damning series of violations by WIN Waste at Sunny Farms Landfill. Among the most serious allegations is the falsification of inspection reports. According to the resolution, the company maintained an internal inspection log documenting ongoing erosion and ponding issues, while the reports submitted to the Seneca County General Health District (SCGHD) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) omitted these issues entirely. This discrepancy raises concerns of intentional deception.

Additionally, WIN Waste is accused of:

• Failing to protect the landfill’s intermediate cover from erosion and water damage.
• Neglecting to comply with Ohio Administrative Code requirements for erosion control best practices.
• Violating hydrogen sulfide emission limits specified in its Title V permit.
• Failing to inspect rail cars daily for leaks or spills as required by the conditions of its 2023 and 2024 licenses.

“WIN Waste has failed to comply with its 2023 and 2024 license conditions,” said Dr. Clay Wolph, President of the Seneca County Board of Health. “It does not make sense to issue another operating license with conditions that won’t be followed. The 2023 and 2024 license conditions are more than reasonable and are necessary to safeguard our environment and residents.”

Community Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The revelations have sparked widespread outrage in Seneca County, with residents demanding accountability. Much of the community’s ire is directed at Ben Nutter, whose role in overseeing the landfill has drawn sharp criticism. Many locals argue that Nutter’s failure to enforce compliance and his apparent oversight of falsified reports make him complicit in the scandal.

“Ben Nutter has been the face of oversight for this landfill, yet we’ve seen nothing but failure to protect the community from the environmental hazards this facility poses,” said local activist Karen DuBois. “If these allegations are true, he should face the same consequences as anyone committing fraud—including jail time.”

Several residents have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, with hashtags like #HoldNutterAccountable and #SunnyFarmsFraud trending locally. Activists are organizing town hall meetings to discuss the issue and explore legal action against Nutter and WIN Waste Innovations.

The Path Forward

WIN Waste has 30 days to request a hearing before a hearing examiner, who will issue a recommendation to the Board. The Board’s final decision will determine whether the 2025 operating license is granted or denied. If denied, WIN Waste can appeal the decision to the Environmental Review Appeals Commission (ERAC). In the meantime, the company is permitted to continue operating under its 2024 license, though it has already filed a separate case disputing the conditions of that license.

For many in Seneca County, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sunny Farms Landfill has long been a source of controversy, with ongoing complaints about odors, groundwater contamination, and public health risks. This latest scandal adds a new layer of mistrust between the community and the landfill operators.

“This isn’t just about a license; it’s about protecting our community from a company that has repeatedly shown it can’t be trusted,” said DuBois. “We need accountability now more than ever.”

A Call for Justice

As the Board of Health moves forward with its proceedings, community members continue to demand answers. Whether through civil penalties or criminal charges, residents insist that both WIN Waste and Ben Nutter be held responsible for their roles in this environmental and ethical failure.

The coming months will reveal whether the legal system and regulatory bodies are prepared to take meaningful action or if Sunny Farms Landfill will remain a symbol of unchecked corporate malpractice in Seneca County.