Please join members of the Penobscot Nation and Conservation Law Foundation (“CLF”), either in-person or on Zoom, for a discussion about their appeal of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s (“MEDEP”) positive public benefit determination for the expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill (“JRL”). The appeal is currently in Penobscot County, Superior Court.

Case Background:
JRL is located on a 780-acre parcel in Old Town and Alton, Maine. The state owns the landfill, and it is operated by NEWSME Landfill Operations, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Casella Waste Systems. For years, the facility has released dangerous chemicals into the Penobscot River, and those living near the landfill report air pollution, persistent foul odors, and accidental fires, one of which rained ash down into people’s yards, causing burning eyes and sore throats.

In June 2024, Casella filed an application for determination of public benefit to MEDEP to expand JRL by about 61 acres. In October 2024, the MEDEP Commissioner issued a positive public benefit determination with certain conditions. The Penobscot Nation and CLF, as co-petitioners, appealed this decision to the Penobscot County, Superior Court arguing that that MEDEP should not have issued a PBD approval because the proposed expansion fails to fulfill the environmental justice standard and runs contrary to the State Waste Plan and Solid Waste Hierarchy.

Questions? Email Thalia Chaves at [email protected].