#JuniperRidge Landfill can expand, state says again after judge orders reconsideration

by Marie Weidmayer, March 23, 2026

Excerpt: "The Juniper Ridge Landfill can expand, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection decided for a second time — but a judge must sign off first.

"A new public benefit determination allows the #OldTown landfill to expand, the #ConservationLawFoundation said Monday. The foundation and #PenobscotNation sued the #MaineDEP in November 2024 over the proposed expansion.

"The department had to reconsider allowing the expansion after a judge ruled in January that the Maine DEP did not complete 'critical' fact finding during the public benefit determination. The Maine DEP decided Oct. 2, 2024, there is a public benefit to the expansion and expanding the landfill is not inconsistent with #EnvironmentalJustice.

"Penobscot County Superior Court Judge Bruce Mallonee will reconsider the application because the case is still pending, Maine DEP spokesperson David Madore said. The department can resume processing the expansion application and will have a public hearing, he said.

" 'This decision does not reflect the lived reality of our people,' Penobscot Nation Chief #KirkFrancis said. “Our voices and our knowledge of this place must be meaningfully considered when those in power make decisions that will impact our land and community.'

"The lawsuit is still pending in Penobscot County Superior Court. The foundation and Penobscot Nation are determining next steps."

Read more:
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/23/penobscot/penobscot-police-courts/landfill-expansion-juniper-ridge/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/8dI8S

#MainePol #CasellaWasteSystems #WaterIsLife #SoilIsLife #PFAS #MaineFirstNations #Pollution #ForeverChemicals

GOOD!

State agency in Maine rejects #Canadian #mining company’s rezoning application

February 14, 2024

BREWER, #Maine (AP) — A state agency on Wednesday rejected a Canadian mining company’s zoning application for a proposed mine on #PickettMountain in northern Penobscot County, near #BaxterStatePark and the #KatahdinWoods & Waters National Monument.

"The Maine Land Use Planning [#LUPC] Commission voted 5-2 against #Wolfden's request to rezone on 374 acres (150 hectares), which would've been the first of several hurdles to building a #MetallicMine in the #Katahdin region.

"The panel had numerous concerns including the economic feasibility of the proposed mine. The panel also considered the impacts on #TribalLands, #wildlife, #water resources, the outdoors economy and other factors.

#EnvironmentalGroups and the #PenoboscotNation opposed the project.

"'This ruling is a great victory for the precious waters and lands of the Katahdin region and the people that rely upon them for sustenance and well-being,' said Penobscot Tribal Chief #KirkFrancis.

"Wolfden withdrew its first application after the commission’s staff pointed to multiple errors and inconsistencies with its proposal. It was resubmitted in January 2023 with a goal of addressing the concerns."

Source:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/state-agency-in-maine-rejects-canadian-mining-company-s-rezoning-application/ar-BB1iigrF

#WaterIsLife #WabanakiNations #Environment #CorporateColonialism #NoMining #ZincMining