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Conservation commission leaves sludge-landfill enforcement order open after persistent erosion, contamination concerns
Summary
Commission hears extended public and staff discussion about erosion, sediment migration and potential PFAS and 1,4‑dioxane contamination at the city’s sludge landfill; enforcement order remains open and staff will continue daily inspections and report to commission while awaiting DEP response.
The Gardner Conservation Commission left an enforcement order open for the city’s sludge landfill after members and staff described continuing erosion, sediment migration and community concerns about hazardous contaminants.
Residents and staff told the commission the site is repeatedly failing erosion controls during rain events and sending silt and possibly contaminants off the landfill slopes and into adjacent wetlands. Alan Russo, a resident who submitted photos, said, “I’m concerned about the release of hazardous contaminants including PFAS which we know is in the sludge.”
Commission members and public‑works staff described recent short‑term repairs — new silt fence, waddles, stone check dams and jute matting — and daily site visits. DPW staff said crews are…
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