AUGUSTA, ME – Today, the Maine Legislature enacted LD 1639 — legislation that would close a loophole in Maine’s waste management laws that allows landfilling of out-of-state waste, including hazardous construction and demolition debris.
As a result, Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town has become a dumping ground for toxic waste, threatening the area’s drinking water supply and sites of historical, cultural, and spiritual significance for the Penobscot Nation. This legislation is a priority bill of Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) — a coalition of 37 environmental, conservation, and public health organizations representing over 120,000 members.
Governor Mills is expected to review the legislation soon.
Statement of Beth Ahearn, Director of Government Affairs, MCV:
“Out-of-state waste does not belong in Maine and, thankfully, Maine’s Legislature overwhelmingly agrees. The enactment of LD 1639 — legislation that would close the loophole that allows Massachusetts and other New England states to truck their hazardous waste up to the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town — will help protect Maine’s environment and communities.”