Posted on September 5, 2022
The landfill closure project is coming to an end soon.
Well, relatively soon.
Over the past decade, the closure, an expensive recapping of the old town landfill ordered by the state, had become a source of funds well and above the costs involved.
But, there have been plenty of expenses.
Selectmen recently approved a Landfill Capping/Pond Dredge Project contract amendment to Brown and Caldwell for engineering services that will cost $572,110.
The closure includes capping as well as dredging of South Meadow Pond to remove contaminants that may — or may not — have leached from the landfill. Arsenic levels in the pond, for instance, are higher than allowed, but how much is naturally occurring was a question that did not stop the town from being forced to lower levels to drinking water standards.
“We’re knee-deep in the middle of the pond dredging and starting on landfill closure,” Highway Superintendent Chris McGown said.
Work includes dredging the 6-acre pond with tons of material removed.
“At the end of these, they have to certify the project is done according to the permits,” McGown said.
The dredging project includes putting up dams and pumping water 24/7, he said, and they can barely keep up.
