Local leaders make plea to stop landfill from adding 500,000 tons of toxic ash

Residents and local leaders say it is their last chance to stop a landfill that sits on environmentally-protected wetlands from expanding.

In the next several days, state environmental officials are expected to decide on a permit that could add more toxic ash to the landfill.

State Rep. RoseLee Vincent has a titan looming over her shoulder; the smokestacks of Wheelabrator Technologies and the landfill beside.

"It’s David and Goliath and I know that," said Vincent. "How can I not fight for that? How can I not fight against that?"

For months, Boston 25 News has followed residents, local and state leaders as they have pushed back against Wheelabrator's plan to dump 500,000 more tons of toxic ash into the landfill that sits on top of the Rumney Salt Marsh - an area of critical environmental concern.

In the next few weeks, the Dept. of Environmental Protection will decide if Wheelabrator can expand. 
That's why opponents gathered on Thursday in a last minute plea to the governor.

"Let them come live here, let them come here and deal with that and worry about their kids," said Elaine Hurley of Revere.

The permit would allow Wheelabrator to allow more ash to the side that’s closest to the river, and critics say the recent winter storms show just how dangerous that could be.

"Basically all the homes surrounding here were underwater - this road was completely underwater, the road on the other side of the landfill was completely underwater," said Joan LeBlanc, Saugus River Watershed Council.

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When the Jan. 4 storm swept over the North Shore, residents took pictures of floodwaters around Wheelabrator. As sea levels rise, environmental advocates are concerned another storm like that could flood the foundation of the landfill - which is unlined.

"If we had some kind of a major breach or leach during a storm, that could be an environmental disaster waiting to happen here," said LeBlanc.

They just hope the state is listening.

"In this world, sometimes, the good has to win out over the evil, maybe I’ll be one of those cases where the good will win out," said Vincent.

In response to this story, Wheelabrator's Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety James Connolly sent the following statement to Boston 25 News.

"We believe the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) decision granting a provisional permit for the continued use of the ash monofill at Wheelabrator Saugus represents the best solution for the town, the state and the region.  It will ensure continued economic benefits and jobs, community benefits including support for public education, and environmental benefits in the form of clean, renewable energy, safe disposal of non-recyclable solid waste and stewardship of the adjacent Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.  The provisional permit approval does not change the current nature, daily capacity, materials deposited, or operations at the monofill.  It will not increase the monofill's height, footprint or lateral measurement.  We remain open to a dialogue with the town about a long-term plan for Wheelabrator Saugus that will maintain and enhance our economic and environmental value to the community."

MORE FROM BOSTON 25 NEWS:

>> Public hearing scheduled about fate of Saugus incinerator, landfill

>> North Shore residents concerned about health impacts of landfill, incinerator

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