A group of Simpson County residents are expected to address concerns at a meeting of the Franklin-Simpson Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday over a proposed bio-digester facility that is rumored to be on its way to the county.

A bio-digester is a facility that breaks down organic waste through a renewable energy process known as “anaerobic digestion.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, bacteria are used to breakdown organic waste matter, such as manure, wastewater solids, food scraps and other organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

The process takes place inside sealed containers known as reactors. As waste is broken down, biogases and compounds known as digestates are produced. Biogases created can be used for different energy needs such as electricity, heat and even vehicle fuel, while digestate compounds can be used for fertilizer, crop irrigation and some building material.

Biogas is composed of methane at a high percentage, between 50 and 75%, the EPA says. While methane gas can be used to produce renewable natural gas, many know it for the pungent odor it gives off.

One location allegedly being explored for the facility is in the Prices Mill area, in the southwestern part of Simpson County just a few miles from the Tennessee state line.

Citizens have raised concerns online that the facility, should it be built, would change aspects of rural life in Simpson County, including smells associated with the facility, potential health concerns and disruptions to areas traditionally devoted to agriculture.

To come to Simpson County, the land on which the facility would sit would need to be rezoned. No zoning class is currently designated for this type of industry.

While discussion around the idea has spread throughout the county, officials are still trying to understand exactly what it is.

Simpson County Judge-executive Mason Barnes stated to the Daily News via text that he and Simpson County magistrates are still researching the topic.

“Just trying to research on it,” Barnes stated. “There is a lot to figure out on this issue.”

West District Magistrate Jeff Burr, who represents the Prices Mill area, told the Daily News last week he is researching the topic as well.

Petitions are also circulating. In a Franklin community Facebook group, one resident was encouraging other residents to sign a petition, calling the issue “very important.”

“This is a very important issue and the people of Simpson County need to come together to try and put a stop to this,” the post reads in part.

The facility would be built by Vanguard Renewables, a Weston, Massachusetts-based company that specializes in anaerobic digestion.

Vanguard’s website states it collects waste products from municipalities, restaurants and food and beverage manufacturers. According to the American Biogas Council, there are 530 anaerobic digestion facilities located on farms throughout the United States.

In a statement sent to the Daily News Friday night, Vanguard said its facilities are “fully enclosed systems” made to prevent odors from spreading outside.

Additionally, the company stated that safety measures in its facilities are monitored “24/7.”

“Each of our projects creates numerous job opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, contributing to the local economy,” the company stated. “Vanguard Renewables is committed to being a long-term community partner in every community everywhere we operate.”

The planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m in the community room of the Franklin Police Department.