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Commission raises regional review and public-meeting concerns over proposed waste transfer station
Summary
Commissioners discussed news reports and a Lamprey River Advisory Committee letter urging regional review of a proposed large waste transfer station; members noted a potential delay to an April 12 decision and the possibility of a DES-driven public meeting to allow additional technical review.
Commissioners reviewed recent media coverage and a strongly worded letter from the Lamprey River Advisory Committee urging that a proposed large waste transfer station be treated as a regional matter. Members said Brentwood has requested a delay in the state decision timeline and reported that Great Bay and other parties are pursuing further review.
One commissioner described the project as "a big operation" that needs "a lot of sunlight," and said an LRAC letter (dated March 5) asked the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to consider regionalization. The commission discussed the possibility that DES might schedule an additional public meeting and that an April 12 decision deadline could be extended to allow more technical review and public input.
Commission members highlighted several concerns the town might ask DES to consider: environmental-risk details in permit filings, the economics and public need for a large transfer station at the proposed location, and compatibility with state solid-waste planning that emphasizes recycling centers rather than additional transfer stations. Members discussed drafting a recommended response or comments to DES should the agency request town input.
Why it matters: A regional transfer station could have watershed and traffic impacts and may affect the Lamprey River watershed; LRAC and local towns are aligning to request wider review and public engagement. Commission members encouraged local follow-up to ensure technical details and alternatives are fully evaluated.
Next steps: The commission will scan and file LRAC correspondence, consider drafting town input if DES requests it, and monitor announcements about a possible public meeting; members suggested additional community outreach if a decision date is extended.
