Seneca County Betrayed: Ben Nutter and the Sunny Farms Landfill Controversy

SENECA COUNTY, OH In recent years, Seneca County has become the focal point of an ongoing battle over transparency, environmental accountability, and corporate influence. Central to this controversy is Win Waste Innovations, formerly Sunny Farms Landfill LLC, a company synonymous with pollution, legal disputes, and alleged backdoor dealings.

A Commissioner’s Conflict of Interest?
Ben Nutter, a former Seneca County commissioner and ex-firefighter, has faced severe criticism for his ties to Sunny Farms Landfill. Reports from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office reveal that Nutter accepted significant campaign contributions from individuals and entities tied to the landfill during his 2010 run for the Ohio House of Representatives. These contributors included key figures such as John Walker, landfill manager; Christopher Valerian, Live Earth Inc.; and attorneys representing WCA Waste Corp., which had acquired Sunny Farms Landfill in 2009.

When Nutter lost his political race, he later took employment with Sunny Farms Landfill. For many residents, this raised serious ethical concerns. How could a former public servant, entrusted with the welfare of the community, work for an organization that so many believe undermines Seneca County’s environmental health?

Environmental Violations and “Lipstick on a Sow”
Sunny Farms Landfill has long operated under scrutiny. Critics argue that while the company frequently touts itself as a “community partner,” its actions paint a starkly different picture. Over the years, the landfill has faced numerous inspections revealing compliance issues, yet Ohio EPA has repeatedly allowed it to “fix” violations without imposing meaningful penalties. This leniency has fostered public outrage, with many accusing regulators of failing to hold the landfill accountable.

The company’s attempts to rebrand itself—changing its name from Sunny Farms Landfill LLC to Win Waste Innovations—are seen by many as nothing more than a PR tactic to erase its troubled past. But as one local resident bluntly put it, “Putting lipstick on a sow does not change the fact it’s still a sow.”

Falsified Inspection Reports and Regulatory Breaches
In a recent development, the Seneca County Board of Health unanimously passed a resolution declaring its intent to deny Win Waste’s 2025 operating license. The resolution accuses the company of falsifying inspection reports and violating numerous environmental regulations.

According to the resolution, Win Waste 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.
No Taxpayer Dollars—Fighting the Landfill with Its Own Money
A critical clarification in this ongoing controversy is the source of funds being used to address the landfill’s violations. Contrary to claims by landfill supporters, no taxpayer dollars are used for inspections, employee costs, or legal fees related to Sunny Farms Landfill. By law, all monies spent on these efforts are generated from the construction and demolition debris (CD&D) dumping fees paid by the landfill itself.

Despite this, proponents of Sunny Farms often claim that resources spent on legal battles and oversight could be better allocated elsewhere. To that argument, many residents counter that there is no better way to spend these funds than fighting against a facility that devalues properties and harms the health of individuals and the community.

Outsiders Speaking for Seneca County
Adding further frustration is the involvement of individuals like Ezac, who penned a pro-landfill opinion piece in a local publication while residing in Powell, Ohio—80 miles away from the landfill. Similarly, Ben Nutter, the former commissioner at the heart of the controversy, resides near Sycamore, roughly 20 miles from the site. Combined, their distance from the landfill totals about 100 miles. These individuals are far removed from the stench, environmental degradation, and potential health impacts inflicted on those living in the shadow of the landfill.

“Why are people unaffected by this disaster trying to dictate what’s best for our community?” asked one outraged resident. “They sit comfortably in their distant homes, but we’re the ones breathing the air and watching our property values plummet.”

Community Betrayal and Media Complicity
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.

The Advertiser-Tribune has also come under fire, accused of pushing narratives that favor the landfill and its allies while sidelining critical voices. Editorial space is often granted to pro-landfill pieces, while groups like the SCGHD face resistance in sharing their perspectives. This perceived bias has led residents to seek alternative platforms, such as the Sunny Farm Landfill Complaint Group on Facebook, for more transparent information.

Conclusion: Seneca County Demands Better
The Sunny Farms Landfill saga is a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked corporate power and political corruption. As Win Waste Innovations continues to operate under the guise of “substantial compliance,” the community is left grappling with the real consequences—devalued properties, health risks, and environmental decay.

Seneca County residents deserve better from their leaders and local media. They deserve accountability, transparency, and a commitment to safeguarding the environment and public health. For those living within the landfill’s shadow, the fight is not just worthwhile—it is essential.