VermontAttorney General William HSorrell, working closely with the Agency of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Board, filed suit today against Moretown Landfill, Inc(MLI) relating to its operation of the Moretown Landfill. The suit seeks civil penalties for alleged violations of the Vermont Solid Waste Management Rules, Air Pollution Control Regulations, Water Pollution Control statute, a solid waste facility certification, Act 250 land use permit, and stormwater construction permit. Some of the alleged violations continued over a period of years. TheComplaintwas filed on November 6, 2014 in Washington Superior Court.
“The Attorney General’s Office takes cases like these very seriously, and will continue to be vigilant and work with the Agency and the Board to ensure that Vermont’s waste-disposal sector plays by the rules, protects Vermont’s environment, and takes appropriate action to prevent off-site odors.” said Attorney General Sorrell.
Some of the alleged violations relate to well-publicized difficulties controlling odors from the facility. The alleged violations also include failures to effectively capture and control landfill gas, maintain landfill cover, monitor and limit leachate levels, prevent and control windblown debris, and conduct random load inspections. The Complaint also alleges that MLI failed to comply with stormwater management requirements and discharged sediment to a stream without a permit to do so. “Meeting Vermont’s air and water quality laws are not optional. I applaud the Attorney General for looking into Moretown Landfill’s environmental violations and taking action,” said David Mears, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
In addition to allegedly violating the facility’s solid waste facility certification and a stormwater construction permit administered by the Agency of Natural Resources, MLI is alleged to also have violated the facility’s Act 250 permit. “Act 250 protects quality of life and natural resources. MLI’s alleged violations had profound impacts on its neighbors and the environment, and warrant enforcement by the Attorney General,” said Ron Shems, Chair of the Natural Resources Board.
Published: Nov 6, 2014