The municipality of Southgate has hired a Public Relations Firm to combat all the negative publicity surrounding the controversial waste-to-fertilizer plant.

The Lystek Plant -- under construction in the Dundalk Eco-Park -- has been a hot topic and spiked concerns over water contamination.

Southgate Mayor, Brian Milne, says the Municipality thought they were doing a good job communicating with residents, but groups opposed to the plant have often made headlines.

SPIRG, or the Southgate Public Interest Research Group is very vocal in their concerns over the environmental impacts they believe the plant may have.

Milne says the group has been sensationalizing horrific outcomes of things that could happen with the Lystek plant.

He says these aren't true and they've hired the firm to present their side in a clear and concise manner.

The Mayor notes they've been accused of hiring a 'spin doctor' but adds not all information SPIRG volunteers is factual.

Milne says the firm, based in Fergus, will cost the Municipality 12 hundred dollars a month for about nine hours of consultation.

He says they're looking short term right now and just testing it out for three months.

Milne believes it's well worth it, and hopes this makes their messages about Lystek very clear.

Council voted at the Committee of the Whole meeting to sign the three month contract, but Council still must approve the meetings minutes -- which is expected this week.