Maine DEP issues the final public benefit determination for the Juniper Ridge Landfill Expansion

October 2, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) posted the final public benefit determination (PBD) regarding a proposed expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town and Alton, Maine on October 2, 2024, after the deadline for comments was extended (by request) until September 27, 2024. This final decision took into consideration an additional 32 comments received by the Department as part of this process.

The Department evaluated comments thoroughly and appreciate the public's input. Changes made to this final PBD include some expectations that align with environmental justice concerns provided to the Department as follows:

1. A Department-approved system for the treatment of landfill leachate for PFAS is designed and installed according to an approved schedule.

2. A third-party odor consultant will be selected to complete an odor analysis of the landfill and surrounding area, including evaluation of historical air quality sampling results, odor complaint history, field investigation, and recommended actions, to be submitted to the Department for review.

3. Two additional surface scans of the landfills intermediate cover will be conducted per year, ideally during periods of low barometric pressure to determine if there are fugitive landfill gas emissions. These scans must follow a Department-approved method. As identified by the surface scans, any necessary repairs will be made to the cover.

4. A Department-approved system will be established to inform the public about significant landfill events in near real time (for example through a website or other means).

For more information please visit the DEP Juniper Ridge webpage.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner [email protected]