N.H. landfill operator to pay $1.9 million in civil penalty
Casella Waste Systems will pay $1.9 million to New Hampshire due to violations at its landfill in Bethlehem.Summary
North Country Environmental Services, a subsidiary of Casella Waste Systems, has agreed to a $1.9 million settlement with the state of New Hampshire following allegations of multiple environmental violations at its landfill in Bethlehem. The state’s lawsuit claimed the company exceeded permitted waste limits, caused leachate leaks, failed to report a liner breach, and improperly drilled gas wells. As part of the settlement, up to $219,000 will be used to remediate erosion at a former landfill site in Bartlett, impacting the Saco River. Casella maintains it has improved operations and that its safety systems protected the environment, while state regulators emphasized the importance of proper landfill management. Environmental advocates, such as the North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, praised the settlement but expressed continued concerns about potential landfill expansion in the region, citing a pattern of non-compliance.
(Source：The Boston Globe)