In a recent town meeting, officials discussed ongoing concerns regarding the operations of a solid waste management facility, IWS, which has been operating without a permit since 2011. The facility, located in an environmental justice area, has faced scrutiny for failing to pay host and tipping fees, raising alarms among community members and local leaders.

One board member expressed frustration over the facility's lack of compliance, questioning how it could continue to operate without a valid permit. The discussion highlighted that IWS had previously been grandfathered in under older regulations but has since failed to meet current legal requirements. The board noted that the facility's operations have expanded beyond its original permit limits, which allowed for the processing of 370 tons of waste per day.

Concerns were also raised about environmental impacts, particularly regarding leachate runoff that has reportedly affected nearby waterways. The facility was fined $6,000 by the EPA for violations related to this issue, prompting calls for stricter oversight and enforcement of regulations.

As the board deliberated on potential changes to local laws governing solid waste management, some members questioned whether these changes would unfairly benefit IWS, which has a history of non-compliance. The legal interpretation of \"grandfathering\" was debated, with officials clarifying that the proposed law would not exempt IWS from current regulations but would allow it to operate under existing facility guidelines.

The meeting underscored the tension between regulatory compliance and the operational realities of waste management in the community, with officials emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to environmental standards. The board plans to review the situation further and consider the implications of any new regulations on the facility's future operations.