SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO -- Some Ohio Valley residents have been dealing with the horrible smell of the Apex Landfill for nearly a year.

They said they've tried everything to resolve the problem. Still, when the wind kicks up, so does the stench from the landfill. Now, just weeks before a county meeting on the issue, neighbors say the smell is still there.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Jefferson County Health Department have both documented complaints about the smell, and the landfill was cited for a nuisance odor violation in July.

"The smell was so bad you couldn't go outside. (You) had to hold your breath," said Becky Jones, who lives near the landfill.

In September, the county Health Department gave operators a 90-day extension to get rid of the overpowering odor.

In response, Apex hired a consultant to analyze every receiving load, installed an odor-neutralizing system, and turned on portable misters.

Now, months later, some neighbors said the smell is still there.

Tom Gardner, a nearby resident, said while the county is trying to help fix the problem, he believes the Ohio EPA is not doing its job.

"I feel the Health Department has been more than generous as far as time," said Gardner.

But NEWS9 discovered that the Jefferson County Health Department is also making money off the landfill.

The landfill brings in about 3,000 tons of solid waste a day from other states. Ohio receives $3.5 million a year in tipping fees, the Jefferson-Belmont Solid Waste Authority gets $1 million, and $250,000 goes to Springfield Township. Apex also pays $50,000 a year for countywide cleanups in Belmont and Jefferson Counties.

In June 2007, the Ohio EPA will grade Jefferson County on how it's handling the smelly situation.

Gardner said neighbors are also documenting when the smell is in the air and are sending that information to the county Health Department.

"I realize it's a cash cow for the county, but know they won't sacrifice the health and safety of individuals in the community," Gardner said.

Landfill operators said they are working cooperatively with the Jefferson County Health Department and the Ohio EPA, and said they welcome any neighbors who have concerns to contact them or visit their office.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & Shelby Zarotney, NEWS9