CLF, environmental organizations, and elected leaders sent a letter to MassDEP on Monday urging the agency to take steps to collect public input on the proposed waste transfer station. Photo: Shutterstock.
July 29, 2024 (New Bedford, MA) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is asking the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to involve New Bedford residents in the decision-making process for Parallel Products’ proposed waste transfer station. While MassDEP has requested additional information from Parallel Products, now doing business as South Coast Renewables, a similar input opportunity has yet to be provided for the community. This imbalance must be addressed to ensure a fair process.
“New Bedford’s residents are not here to be dumped on. Adding another waste facility without their input is like throwing their voices into the trash,” said Alexandra St. Pierre, Director of Communities and Toxics at CLF. “The health and concerns of New Bedford residents must be prioritized.”
CLF, environmental organizations, and elected leaders sent a letter to MassDEP on Monday urging the agency to take steps to collect public input.
New Bedford already faces significant environmental burdens, including multiple hazardous waste sites and an active landfill. Adding another waste facility would only worsen these issues. Massachusetts has enough waste transfer capacity, with current facilities exceeding needs. Building another facility contradicts the state’s 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan to reduce our reliance on landfills.
We urge MassDEP to organize a public listening session and extend the comment period by 30 to 60 days after Parallel Products submits its additional information. It’s crucial that New Bedford residents have the chance to voice their concerns and respond to new information.
The full letter can be found here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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