AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --- The company that manages the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town is now one step closer to expanding it.
The Maine Board of Environmental Protection has upheld a state decision to expand Juniper Ridge. That decision came from the comissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
Casella Waste Management wanted to increase the landfill by more than 21 million cubic yards. The commissioner, citing Maine's future waste disposal needs, gave approval for an expansion less than half of that.
A citizens group filed an appeal against the commissioners decision. Their concern is that the expansion will only lead to Casella dumping more waste into Juniper Ridge from out of state. Members of Maine B.E.P. say under state law, the company can do that.
"Once it's {waste from out of state} been processed in Maine...it's defined as Maine waste," said Susan Lessard, who is the chair of the Maine Board of Environmental Protection, "The board in considering this determination doesn't have the right to change that definition."
"If that's what they {the board} feels, good for them," said Ed Spencer, who filed the appeal on behalf of Old Town residents, "but I think if you're morally opposed to an activity that's going on...you don't support the decision."
Casella can now apply for permits with the state to expand Juniper Ridge. Opponents of the project say that they are already considering taking the matter to court.
NEWS CENTER