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Sanford residents press council over Ares biosolids plant; company to present April 2
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Summary
Residents pressed the Sanford City Council about Ares Clean Technology’s proposed biosolids gasification plant, voicing concerns about PFAS emissions, company finances and transport of out‑of‑state waste; city manager and mayor arranged a larger April 2 presentation at the Sanford Performing Arts Center with Ares and independent toxicologists.
Mayor Bridal and City Manager Steve Buck devoted much of the council meeting to answering questions about Ares Clean Technology’s proposal to site a biosolids gasification plant in South Sanford and announced a public presentation at the Sanford Performing Arts Center on April 2.
"We're not voting on businesses," Mayor Bridal said, explaining the council’s role and urging residents to attend the April 2 session. She described biosolids plainly as the solids separated from wastewater treatment and said the Sanford Sewer District currently ships processed solids to distant landfills. Buck said Ares proposes an enclosed gasification process intended to convert biosolids into an industrial product and cited the company’s stated capacity and permitting pathway: "They've presented a $180,000,000 development designed to process up to 400 tons per day" and it will require Maine Department of Environmental Protection air and solid‑waste permitting and local site plan review, he said.
Many residents raised questions during public participation. Clayton Harrison, a Sanford resident, told the council he opposed the project and cited reports that the Linden, New Jersey Ares facility had laid off staff and defaulted on loans: "We cannot rely on this company," he said, arguing that a tax increment financing (TIF) benefit would not lower residents’ taxes but instead favor the company. John Hinkleman, an adjunct professor and analytical chemist, questioned where PFAS from condensate and transported sludge would end up and whether increased PFAS loads would raise local treatment costs. Emily Matthew said state regulators have not independently verified Ares’ PFAS‑destruction claims and criticized a lack of early transparency.
Manager Buck and the mayor emphasized process and oversight: Buck said Ares will return for a recorded presentation at SPAC with the company’s consultants and independent toxicologists to address air emissions and the gasification process and that the meeting will include a public Q&A so "everybody can hear the questions that are being asked." Keith McBride of the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council—speaking later about a related TIF matter—also told the council that "Ares is not involved" in the proposed TIF credit enhancement and that the city has not offered public funding to the company.
The record contains a mix of factual detail, company assertions and community concerns. Speakers identified specific points for follow‑up: the municipal permitting path and DEP oversight, independent verification of PFAS destruction, whether the plant would accept out‑of‑state biosolids, the company’s financial stability, and potential municipal cost impacts for wastewater treatment. Buck said the April 2 presentation (doors 5:30 p.m.; meeting 6 p.m.) will be recorded and made available for playback on public access and YouTube.
The council did not take formal action on the Ares proposal at the March 3 meeting; the scheduled April 2 presentation will be the next public event where residents can question Ares directly.
