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City manager says LD2070 and Ponobscot Nation suit could delay Juniper Ridge landfill expansion
Summary
City manager Bill told council LD2070 would prohibit landfill expansions impacting wetlands and that a Ponobscot Nation environmental justice suit remanded parts of Juniper Ridge decisions back to the Department, creating uncertainty about near‑term hearings and permitting.
City manager Bill briefed the Old Town City Council on Feb. 2 about state legislation and litigation that could affect a proposed landfill expansion tied to the Juniper Ridge matter.
Bill said LD2070—which will be heard by the Environment & Natural Resources Committee—includes provisions to prohibit landfill expansions that impact wetlands. He cautioned that the Army Corps of Engineers’ permit and a Ponobscot Nation lawsuit alleging environmental justice concerns have already prompted a judge to remand aspects of the Juniper Ridge decision back to the Department for further review.
"Part of the LD 2070 is to prohibit landfill expansions if they're going to impact wetlands," Bill said, and he described the sequence: the Army Corps notice, the wetlands mitigation plan in the expansion application, and the judge’s remand creating a delay in next steps. He said the city submitted a brownfield grant application for $500,000 and is awaiting a decision.
Councilors asked whether the town should plan to testify at upcoming hearings; Bill said the more public comment regulators hear, the better, and that testimony can be delivered by Zoom or email. He also said uncertainty about Department responses means the council might observe before taking a formal stance.
Bill reported that ongoing litigation between trash contractors Perk and Epic over service contracts is unresolved and could affect local trash arrangements. He introduced Amy Collinssworth as the new economic development director and noted departments are preparing budget worksheets for the town’s upcoming budget review.
The council did not adopt a position on LD2070 or the Juniper Ridge remand during the meeting; members agreed to monitor the Department’s follow‑up and to consider testimony if the hearing schedule directly affects Old Town.
