For people living in Jefferson Parish who have been dealing with the stench from the Waggaman landfill between 2017 and 2019, there’s finally some good news for you. After thousands of complaints and a long legal battle, a $4.5 million settlement has been approved. That means more than 5,000 residents—maybe including you—could be getting a check for the trouble you’ve endured.
What happened, and why it matters to you
The foul odors from the landfill weren’t just unpleasant—many people reported headaches, nausea, and even sleep problems. Eventually, these health concerns led to a class-action lawsuit, and in August, the Jefferson Parish Council agreed that the landfill was the main source of the issue. That admission paved the way for the financial compensation now heading your way.
How much money could you receive?
Settlement payments will vary from person to person. You might receive a few hundred dollars, or possibly a few thousand, depending on how the impact was evaluated in your area. The money is expected to be distributed by the end of summer.
If you’re from Harahan, River Ridge, South Kenner, Metairie, Waggaman, Avondale, or Bridge City, you’re eligible to be part of this settlement.
But it’s not over yet
While this settlement is good news, it doesn’t mean everything is resolved. About 1,500 residents have filed a separate lawsuit against Waste Connections and APTIM — the companies that once ran the landfill. Earlier this year, a court denied class-action status for that case, so each person is now pursuing their claims individually in the 24th Judicial District Court.
What’s being done to fix the problem?
Along with the settlement, Jefferson Parish is also putting real money toward fixing the landfill. Officials have already invested $10.4 million into repairs and updates to stop this kind of issue from happening again. That move shows some progress, not just in offering you compensation, but in preventing future problems for the entire community.
Looking ahead
The settlement is a big step, but residents like you are still keeping an eye on how seriously the parish takes its responsibilities going forward. Getting money helps, yes—but many people are just as interested in seeing that this never happens again. As the additional lawsuits develop and the repairs continue, the hope is that this chapter of frustration can finally close, and Jefferson Parish can move forward with lessons learned and stronger protections in place.
