The proposed expansion would further harm the lands, waters, and overall health of already overburdened communities in Maine. Photo: Shutterstock.
November 13, 2024 (Portland, ME) – The Penobscot Nation and Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) filed an appeal to stop the harmful expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill. Casella’s proposal to expand this waste site — to add space to handle the equivalent of 8.6 Empire State Buildings worth of trash — threatens to worsen current environmental hazards.
“Challenging this decision is not just about protecting our environment—it’s about safeguarding the future and ensuring justice for the communities most impacted,” said Alexandra St. Pierre, Director of Communities and Toxics at CLF. “The expansion of harmful landfills threatens our environment, our communities, and our health. We must stand together to demand accountability and ensure that sustainable, forward-thinking solutions take precedence over short-term convenience.”
Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim issued a decision in October claiming Casella’s proposed expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill would benefit the public. The decision by Loyzim allows Casella to officially apply for a license to expand.
For years, Casella’s Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town and Alton, Maine, has contaminated nearby communities, including the Penobscot Nation. This facility has released dangerous chemicals into the Penobscot River, a site sacred to the Penobscot people.
“We consider the Penobscot River to be the oldest citizen of our tribe. It does more than carry water – it carries life, culture, and the history for our people,” said Penobscot Tribal Chief Kirk Francis. “The continued contamination from this landfill endangers that legacy and puts the health of our community at risk. We are firmly opposing this harmful expansion to protect our water, environment, and history for future generations of the Penobscot Nation.”
The effects of the pollution of Juniper Ridge have long been cited and reported by nearby residents, including air pollution and debilitating odors. Casella’s mismanagement last year caused an uncontrolled burn at the landfill, with residents reporting burning eyes and sore throats from the fires.
The Penobscot Nation, CLF, Slingshot, and local community members have been actively involved in opposing this proposed expansion due to its potential negative impact on public health and the environment, meaning it fails to ensure environmental justice for the surrounding communities.
“The Department’s public benefit determination ignores Casella’s years of mismanagement and pollution, instead giving them green light to expand,” said Dana Colihan, Co-Executive Director of Slingshot. “The state deserves to be challenged for this decision and its blatant violation of the environmental justice criteria recently enacted by the legislature. We will continue to organize alongside Don’t Waste ME, the Penobscot Nation, and impacted residents to protect our communities and fight for environmental justice.”
CLF continues to advocate for solutions that reduce waste and protect Maine’s public health and the environment.
The appeal can be found here.
Experts are available for further comment.
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