AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee heard from Casella Waste Systems and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding the disposal of PFAS-contaminated biosolids, or "sludge," in Maine. Committee co-chairs Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, and Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, scheduled the briefing and called Casella and DEP to present to ENR, to get all parties around the table and find a path forward.
During the briefing, Casella indicated that it had worked to find short-term solutions to the problem and would continue to provide sludge disposal for Maines wastewater treatment facilities. Both Casella and the state offered commitment to working in good faith to find short-term and durable, long-term solutions for sludge disposal at Juniper Ridge.
Committee co-chairs Sen. Brenner and Rep. Gramlich issued the following statement:
"Casella recently notified municipalities that they would be reducing their capacity to facilitate sludge disposal, potentially causing a public health crisis. We are relieved to hear that, after pressure from the public and the Legislature, they are now committed to working with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Legislature in good faith to find a solution to the problem before us. PFAS contamination in Maine's environment is an emerging crisis that has only begun to be addressed within the last several years. As a state, we are navigating the challenges that come with tackling a new and evolving issue. PFAS-contaminated waste and sludge are hazardous to Mainers health, which is why the Legislature passed legislation to prevent sludge from being spread and further contaminating our farmland and groundwater. We are committed to moving forward - in cooperation with Casella, waste-disposal and waste-water treatment facilities, municipalities and the department to find solutions that protect Mainers' health."
Contact:
Lisa Haberzettl [Brenner], 207-251-3548
Brian Lee [Gramlich], 305-965-2744