Sen. Mike Tipping introduces bills to strengthen public oversight of Juniper Ridge Landfill, protect residents from PFAS contamination

AUGUSTA – On Monday, April 28, Sen. Mike Tipping, D-Orono, introduced two bills to strengthen public oversight of Juniper Ridge Landfill and protect residents from PFAS contamination in Old Town, Alton and the Penobscot Nation. The Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee conducted public hearings for LD 1349, “An Act to Require Legislative Approval for a Contract to Operate the Juniper Ridge Landfill,” and LD 1604, “An Act to Protect Groundwater and Surface Waters from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Landfill Leachate.”

“When it comes to Juniper Ridge, constituents share their concerns with me all the time,” said Sen. Tipping. “Many of these folks feel strongly that the landfill poses a real threat to the health of their families, friends and neighbors. Knowing what we do now about PFAS-contaminated leachate and run-off, the impact of the landfill also extends to our district’s natural environment and wildlife. From bass and trout in the Penobscot River to beaver and moose in Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, we cannot ignore the harmful effect of the landfill on all living things. That’s why it’s critical that the branch of government closest to the people — the Legislature — can ensure that the operation of Juniper Ridge is responsible, safe and transparent.”

As introduced, LD 1349 would require that the Legislature approve new contracts and contract renewals for the operation of the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill.

The original contract was orchestrated outside the normal procurement process. In 2003, the Legislature and then-Gov. Baldacci allowed the State Planning Office to buy and contract for the Juniper Ridge Landfill site — without additional oversight.

LD 1604 builds on Sen. Tipping’s work to protect the Penobscot River from pollution, including working with environmental groups and the Penobscot Nation to hold the Mallinckrodt Corporation responsible for dumping tons of mercury in the river. Three years ago, they finally reached a legal settlement forcing them to pay for the largest citizen-initiated ecosystem-wide cleanup in history.

This bill would, for the first time, create limits for the discharge of PFAS into water from landfills, allowing the Legislature to set maximum levels and hold polluters accountable. It would also increase public oversight of and transparency for Juniper Ridge Landfill.

• It would make leachate disposal data publicly available, allowing municipalities and members of the public to know what’s going into their water.
• It would require third-party testing of landfill leachate, so we can ensure facilities are in compliance with discharge limits and treatment systems are working.
• It would require free PFAS testing for residents with property close to landfills making sure they will know about and be able to address contamination before it harms their health.

In the coming weeks, the Committee will schedule a work session for LD 1349 and LD 1604.

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