A loophole within the state legislature has forced Maine into becoming the toxic dumping ground of the Northeast. Trash such as construction and demolition debris that has been banned from disposal in Massachusetts, in part because of its toxicity, is ending up in the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill.

Despite promising Mainers that waste in Maine’s state-owned landfills would be reserved as a resource for its citizens, private corporations are exploiting a flimsy legal definition to dump thousands of tons of toxic waste in Maine.

Juniper Ridge Landfill continues to expand with more out-of-state waste every year, as the amount of waste absorbed has increased by 32% since 2012. As the landfill grows, people living near the landfill have been systematically excluded from the decision making process. The toxic waste in the landfill threatens to pollute the Penobscot River and surrounding areas with dangerous “PFAS” chemicals, and the people most affected have had no meaningful say.

If left unchecked, this waste will continue to pollute our communities. To amend this dangerous loophole, it’s vital to support L.D. 1639. Supporting L.D. 1639 would change the language of the law, limiting the amount of disguised in-state waste that can get sent to Juniper Ridge.

The bill is spearheaded by Don’t Waste ME, a coalition of impacted community members and Penobscot citizens. To protect Maine from toxic out-of-state waste, join me in contacting your legislators in support of L.D. 1639.

Ameen Asbahi

Community Action Works

Lewiston

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