ORONO, Maine — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection heard public comments on a proposed expansion of Maine’s largest landfill Tuesday in Orono.
Juniper Ridge Landfill, a state-owned facility in Old Town and Alton, proposed adding around 12 million cubic yards to its facility.
Before it can move forward, the DEP must determine that the expansion would provide a substantial public benefit.
During a public hearing on Tuesday afternoon, most people weighing in on the plan did not focus on the benefits, but the drawbacks of the proposal.
"Juniper Ridge has destroyed the life of people who live around it. At times, it has destroyed part of the Penobscot River; it has destroyed part of our air, water, and land," Don White, a Bucksport resident, said.
Public commenters expressed concerns about harmful emissions, landfill fires, and PFAS contamination coming from the facility.
Many of the people speaking out said Juniper Ridge is an example of environmental injustice, particularly for the Penobscot Nation.
"It's killing us," Kathy Paul, a Penobscot Nation Elder, said. "I just feel like I'm sitting here waiting to die, and I don't mean to be an extremist or anything like that, but I'm really afraid. I can smell the difference already."
For the expansion to be approved, Juniper Ridge must meet the goals of the state, promote the solid waste management hierarchy, be consistent with regional waste guidelines, and ensure environmental justice.
Casella Waste Systems, the company that operates the facility, said the expansion is essential for the landfill to continue meeting the state's waste disposal needs and to work on sustainability.
"By establishing that capacity, it allows us the time and resources to really invest in critical infrastructure to put material to a higher and better use," Jeff Weld, vice president of communications for Casella, said.
Environmental groups Don’t Waste Maine, Slingshot, and Conservation Law Foundation claim there is no public benefit to the expansion and urged the DEP to deny the proposal.
"Mainers have the right to be protected from environmental pollution and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthy environment," Alexandra St. Pierre, director of communities and toxics for Conservation Law Foundation, said. "Expanding this polluting landfill will deny Mainers that right."
The DEP will decide if the Juniper Ridge Landfill does meet the standards for public benefit determination by Aug. 23.