Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 State Reps. Giannino and Turco and Sen. Edwards oppose WIN’s proposal T his week at Saugus Town Hall, the Landfi ll Committee met to receive a presentation from WIN Waste Innovations VP of Environment Jim Connolly. Connolly led the presentation, which outlined WIN’s proposal to the Town of Saugus. The proposal promises a cash incentive to the Town to allow the facility to continue dumping ash for an additional 25 years at the landfi ll. This would require an expansion of the landfi ll as well as bury more than 2.5 million tons of additional ash in the landfi ll within those 25 years. WIN stated the deal is contingent on receiving both local and state permits. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has already determined that additional ash over the 50-foot maximum height or expanding the footprint will not be allowed, since the incinerator is in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). In a letter from MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg to State Representative Jeff rey Turco, dated Nov. 16, 2021, Suuberg states: “Any future proposals for expansion would require a modifi cation to the facility’s site assignment and approval from MassDEP and the Saugus Board of Health. As the landfi ll is located within an ACEC, an expansion of the landfi ll (including vertical expansion) would need to meet the site suitability criteria in the Regulations with respect to the site assignment. While an applicant is free to propose a site assignment modifi - cation, and MassDEP will review information submitted, based upon the information presently before MassDEP, the facility fails to meet the necessary site suitability criteria to allow for expansion within the ACEC and therefore would not receive a positive site suitability determination. Without a positive site suitability determination from MassDEP, a proposal to amend the facility’s site assignment to allow for vertical expansion would not advance to the Saugus Board of Health for consideration.” “[Twenty] years after this site should have closed operations, Wheelabrator is still putting profits over people. The idea that our community could allow this or any corporation to pay for the ability to pollute is absurd. Under no circumstances do I support ANY expansion of the unlined ash landfi ll that sits in the center of the beautiful Rumney Marsh, an ACEC itself,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “Saugus and Revere voters cannot be silenced with money. The damage to the environment and the health of neighbors will surely surpass any monetary benefi t posed by this expansion if it hasn’t already. I’m opposed JESSICA GIANNINO State Representative to this or any scheme that risks the health of our neighbors or neighborhoods.” “’Environmental justice’ means nothing if a large corporation can simply buy off local offi cials in one town at the expense of their residents and neighboring communities,” said Representative Jeff rey Turco (DWinthrop). “Decades of additional damage have been done to our environment and the health of our families, friends and neighbors by continued use of this landfi ll. I join with so many others in demanding that the Commonwealth give meaning to our laws and to prohibit any further landfi ll expansion in this Area of Critical Environmental Concern.” “No amount of money will TRAVEL | FROM Page 3 days, riders can show their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to the conductor to access the Commuter Rail. According to the MBTA, “Haverhill Line trains will make additional stops at Oak Grove. Check back … for more information about this schedule coming soon.” Riders should review the latest Commuter Rail schedules. • Seek existing MBTA bus and subway alternatives. Riders can use other existing MBTA bus and subway services to complete their trips. • Consider working from home. During this 30-day shutdown, Orange Line riders who can work from home are strongly encouraged to do so. The MBTA encourages employers with hybrid work policies to allow employees to work from home as much as possible. • Alternative shuttle bus service will be provided. Earlier today the MBTA Board of Directors approved an approximately $37 million contract for shuttle bus service to Yankee Line, Inc. Alternative shuttle bus service will also be provided by MBTA buses. Shuttle bus service will operate in both directions, connecting Oak Grove Station to North Station and Back Bay Station and JEFFREY ROSARIO TURCO State Representative ever mitigate the physiological damage done to the people of Revere & Saugus, and the ecological damage done to the Rumney Marsh Area. There should be no expansion of the ash landfi ll, especially in an area of critical environmental concern. The proposal by WIN to pay-off the aff ected municipalities is environmental bribery and is an aff ront to the intelligence of people from Revere & Saugus,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston). The next Landfi ll Subcommittee public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17 at 7 p.m. in Saugus Town Hall. During this meeting, interested attendees will be given the opportunity to provide remarks on WIN’s proposal to the Town of Saugus. Forest Hills Station (except for Massachusetts Avenue Station. Riders should expect that this alternative shuttle bus service will take longer and be less reliable than regular Orange Line train service. The MBTA is currently discussing options with the City of Boston for how to best service the downtown area and will provide updated information soon. This service will be at no cost to riders and fully accessible. • Parking: The MBTA will continue to charge for parking at MBTA lots and facilities at Orange Line stations and will communicate lost parking impacts related to staged shuttle buses in advance if necessary. ***** The MBTA is committed to providing as much information as possible before, during and after the major and accelerated work to take place on the Orange Line. Ongoing and transparent outreach to riders, communities and stakeholders will continue to take place through all available communication channels, including in-station signage, social media, mbta. com and more. During these 30 days, extra MBTA personnel and Transit Ambassadors will also be on hand to assist riders.
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