Casella seeks extension of landfill management term

Rutland, Vermont-based Casella Waste Systems Inc. is seeking a six-year extension to its management of Juniper Ridge Landfill, Maine’s largest landfill, according to a report from News Center Maine. The state’s Bureau of General Services is considering the extension to the Operating Service Agreement.

Casella runs Juniper Ridge, a sprawling complex in Penobscot County owned by the state of Maine. The landfill gained widespread attention last year when an excess of toxic sludge was discovered at the site, leading to concerns about whether the landfill would remain stable, the report says.

Casella was able to bulk up the sludge using processed construction debris from out of state after Gov. Janet Mills signed an emergency bill to loosen restrictions on out-of-state waste.

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“Extending the operating service agreement is a necessity at this time to make sure Maine has the ability to manage its waste,” says Jeff Weld, a representative from Casella.

Casella has 10 years left in its agreement with the state, and if granted the six-year extension, the company would oversee Juniper Ridge until 2040.