THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 17, 2023 Page 11 A Cap on Ash Acting DEP Commissioner says agency ruling continues on no future expansion of ash landfi ll at WiN Waste innovations incinerator site By Mark E. Vogler A cting state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commission Gary Moran said he doesn’t expect any change in the previous administration’s ban on expansion of the ash landfi ll at WIN Waste Innovations trash-to-energy landfi ll. “The Department’s interpretation of the regulations remains unchanged from the writing of the November 2021 letter and there has been No alteration of the conditions at the site to warrant a different outcome,” Acting Commissioner MassDEP Gary Moran wrote in a letter this week to state Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere), whose district includes Precincts 3 and 10 in Saugus. Moran cited the letter signed by former DEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg, who wrote that any future proposals for expansion would require a modification to the facility’s site assignment and approval from MassDEP and the Saugus Board of Health. “As the landfill 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,” Suuberg wrote. “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,” Suuberg wrote. “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.” Saugus Selectman Debra Panetta hailed it as major good news for residents of Saugus and nearby communities who oppose further expansion of the ash landfi ll at the incinerator site on Route 107. “This administration’s position is the same as the last – the landfill can only be changed if the regulations or law changes. Given that that is highly unlikely, the Town of Saugus should proceed as if this landfi ll is about to close. A closure committee should be established along with discussions on remediation,” Panetta said Wednesday (March 15) in a statement to The Saugus Advocate. “It’s important to note that the Saugus Board of Selectmen have no jurisdiction to sign a host agreement with WIN Waste. Even with their proposed host agreement, WIN Waste still can’t get their nitrogen oxide levels down to 150 PPM minimum requirement without purchasing emission credits from more effi cient facilities. That is not good for the health and well-being of Saugus residents and our neighboring communities,” Panetta said. “There should be a focus on getting just fi nancial compensation from WIN as there are on-going impacts from the operation of the incinerator itself. The town’s compensation should not be tied to the landfi ll issues as that is on track for closure. It’s important to remember that WIN Waste Saugus is the oldest incinerator in the nation,” she said. World Series Park welcomes McGovern Ford (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued by World Series Park this week.) W orld Series Park in Saugus depends on the support of Saugus businesses. Many Saugus businesses purchase advertising signs that are displayed on the outfi eld fence and dugouts each season. People who come to the park are encouraged to support these businesses, since without the support of these businesses the park wouldn’t be possible. Each season World Series Park hosts over 250 games. The 2023 season is about to get underway. McGovern Automotive Group, a regional powerhouse that operates two dozen dealerships across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York, recently purchased York Ford. The new McGovern Ford in Saugus sells and services a large selection of new and used vehicles. Starting this season, they have willingly offered to be a World Series Park sponsor. McGovern Ford believes in serving the community by not only catering to people’s automotive needs but also supporting causes that make Saugus a better place to live, like World Series Park, which provides a great facility for Saugus youth to play baseball. “We very much appreciate McGovern Ford’s support and encourage people to check out their large selection of vehicles and service on Route 1, south in Saugus,” World Series Park Superintendent Bob Davis said. “We hope that other new and already established Saugus businesses will help us by purchasing advertising signs and making donations. This kind of support is what SUPPORTING HOMETOWN BASEBALL: Pictured from left to right: World Series Park Superintendent Bob Davis and McGovern Ford of Saugus General Manager Alex Avanesau hold the McGovern Ford sign that will be displayed on the third base dugout at World Series Park this season. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) got us started and has kept us going over the last eighteen years. The Saugus businesses that have helped us deserve a lot of credit for making the park what it is today.” It’s always worth celebrating being green. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA 01906 winwastesaugus.com
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