BOSTON — The state Department of Environment Protection (DEP) has issued a provisional decision approving Wheelabrator’s application to continue using the ash monofill at the Wheelabrator Saugus facility.
DEP spokesman Edmund Coletta said the provisional permit for the valley fill project for the Wheelabrator ash landfill starts a 30-day public comment period with a deadline of Friday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.
There will be a public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Saugus High School auditorium.
Wheelabrator Vice President for Environmental Health and Safety James Connolly issued this statement on the company’s behalf:
“We believe the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) provisional decision granting a permit to allow for the continued use of the ash monofill by Wheelabrator Saugus represents the best environmental and economic solution for the town, the state and the region.
“While maintaining jobs and other economic benefits, it will not change the nature of the monofill, the daily capacity of the monofill, the materials deposited in the monofill, or operations at the Monofill.
“It will not increase the monofill’s height, footprint or lateral measurement. We remain open to a dialog with the town about a long-term plan for Wheelabrator Saugus that will maintain and enhance our economic and environmental value to the community.”