Gardner Sludge Landfill Expansion

Opposing the proposed expansion — and advocating for an environmentally and economically viable alternative:

A Healthy Vision for our Watershed

LATEST: October, 2025 — Per questions from a  Gardner City Councilor on the status of the Final Environmental Impact Report (see 5-16-25 entry), the City Engineer indicates there is no anticipated cost or timeline yet for the FEIR, pending a revised approach to design and construction costs for a required “phased” construction (see 5-16-25).  MassDEP’s comments re phasing would be a major change in costs moving forward.  The “No-Build” alternative remains on the table.

May 2025 — Certificate issued on Gardner Sludge Landfill’s Draft Environmental Impact – a “mixed bag”: The EOEEA Secretary’s determination, issued on May 20th, is that the DEIR “adequately and properly complies with MEPA and its implementing regulations.” However, Secretary Tepper rejected the City’s Preferred Alternative to build out the expansion all at once, instead requiring a “phased” construction. This is very good news, as it will allow for a flexible approach to future options and decision-making. Plus, the City has to respond to the comments made by the Secretary, MassDEP and others–including over 60 public comments from organizations and individuals–in a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR). Thanks to those of you who submitted comments! The Secretary also reserved the right to require additional MEPA review. The SLF’s DEIR Certificate can be downloaded from this link: MEPA Environmental Monitor.  

5/24/24: – new lawns signs available:

On this page you will find (updated 6/17/25):

  • Overview
  • Project Map: 1-mile radius
  • NO Expansion Fact Sheet (Updated Dec. 2024)
  • Detailed Project Information – including detailed timeline/chronology of events
  • Environmental Justice statement (see link in Timeline for Jan. 2022)
  • Press coverage

Overview:

Welcome! The Millers River Watershed Council (MRWC) is opposing this ill-conceived project, which will, if approved, have substantial negative consequences for our region and beyond. The area of the proposed project expansion is within 1,300 feet of the Otter River and contains several vernal pools certified by MRWC. [See project details below]

MRWC has been working since 2016 with residents of Gardner to urge the City to adopt a cleaner, safer and more economically sensible solution to managing its sludge waste. Besides the adverse impacts the project would cause on the local and regional environment, we believe that approval of this project would send the wrong message to communities and stakeholders state-wide about the future of wastewater solids management throughout the State. We don’t believe the Chair City’s legacy is to become Dump City for the rest of the Commonwealth.

In August of 2021, MRWC announced the formation of a statewide Coalition For a Sustainable Alternative to Expanding the Gardner Sludge Landfill. The Coalition includes the following nine local, regional and statewide groups and organizations: Millers River Watershed Council, Gardner Clean Air, Athol Bird and Nature Club, Clean Water Action, Connecticut River Conservancy, MassPIRG, Mass Rivers Alliance, Mount Grace Conservation Land Trust and North County Land Trust; The Sierra Club serves as a technical advisor.

In February of 2023, 2/10/23, in a major victory for MRWC and the Coalition–and our local communities!–the secretary of the state’s Executive Office for Environmental and Energy Affairs (EOEEA) ruled that the City of Gardner must prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The ruling followed review of the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) submitted by the City for the proposed project and the extensive review comments on that form submitted by Coalition members and local residents. The DEIR is expected to be submitted by the City in early 2024–stay tuned!!

Some promising recent developments concerning the alternatives:

January 18,2024: Public presentation of Gardner Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) Study by Dan Spracklin, SoMax CEO.  The HTC proposal for constructing a waste-to-energy facility in Gardner includes a long-term earned-income stream, in addition to environmental benefits. Hosted by Gardner Clean Air at West End Beagle Club in Gardner. Video link:  Gardner Massachusetts SoMax Hydrothermal Carbonization Study Presentation (YouTube)

December 19, 2023: Presentation by Fitchburg’s City Engineer to Fitchburg City Council on their planned Biosolids Management and Energy Facility (waste-to-energy), during which it was reported that the City has worked out a clear permitting pathway with state officials–a major milestone for this project that has long been in the planning stage. Video link: CloudCast v3 (telvue.com)

Project Map: 1-mile radius

Updated “NO Sludge Landfill Expansion” fact sheet –includes overview, threats to water supply, better alternatives, and environmental concerns (destruction of intact forest land, odors, etc).

Gardner Sludge Landfill flyer Dec2024

DETAILED PROJECT INFORMATION

I. PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The City of Gardner proposes a major expansion of the Sludge Landfill on the almost 200-acre Wildwood Cemetery Forest property, located at 850 West Street in Gardner MA. The property abuts the city-owned 122-acre Cummings Otter River Conservation Area (established in 2012). The property also abuts a 69-acre privately owned property enrolled in Chapter 61 (Forestry) and is within 1⁄2 mile of the newly acquired North County Land Trust’s 157-acre Ebenezer Keyes Conservation Area.

The Wildwood Cemetery Forest is a 189-acre city-owned property that includes 119 acres of undeveloped forest and wetlands, including a large intact esker, two certified vernal pools, a kettle-hole level bog, and hiking trails. Over the years, this property has undergone some development on 70 acres including a 23-acre closed (and capped) Solid Waste Landfill & recycling / trash transfer station, a 22-acre large scale photovoltaic solar array, the 13-acre Wildwood Cemetery, and the 12-acre Sludge Landfill. The expansion is planned for approximately 4.2 acres of undeveloped land to the west of the existing sludge landfill. To date, the City has invested about $640,000 in engineering and planning for the expansion.

II. Objections to the landfill expansion include:

    1.     Risk of future ground water contamination with potential impact to drinking water. Approximately 60 private residential wells and the Templeton Otter River Town Well are within a 1-mile radius. The abutting 69-acre Rousseau property has two spring fed ponds and a private well. The entire area of the Wildwood Cemetery Forest, Cummings Conservation Area, and Rousseau property has many wetlands, drains via Bailey Brook (a cold water fishery) to the Otter River—the largest tributary to the Millers River.

    2.     Destruction of 4.2 acres of natural resources in the Wildwood Cemetery Forest, including wildlife habitat, forest, natural esker, and certified vernal pools.

    3.     Continued source of ongoing strong sewer-type odors as evidenced by many years of odor complaints originating from the existing landfill by residents of Gardner and Templeton.

    4.     Negative impacts to public’s recreational use and enjoyment of the abutting 122-acre Cummings Otter River Conservation Area established by the City in 2012 with $402,000 of state and federal Funding. Likely negative impacts include odors and the unsightly view of sludge landfill itself right at the Cummings property line.

    5.     Failure of the City to present a thorough and accurate examination of the various sludge management options and their costs.

III. Project Alternatives Exist

There are many feasible alternatives to the Sludge Landfill Expansion, including recycling to soils (composting, fertilizer), hauling out for Incineration, and Anaerobic Digestion (AD). Currently, AD seems to offer the best choice for an alternative that is a cost effective and environmentally friendly, with the added benefit of being consistent with Massachusetts’ goals for renewal energy. In 2015, a CDR Maguire consultant created an alternatives analysis for the City. However, this consultant had previously worked on the expansion planning (as early as 2012) and now is the project manager for the expansion project. The City needs to initiate an independent feasibility study to explore AD options. 

IV. Opposition strategy:

In 2020, MRWC and an abutter (A. Rousseau) hired the prestigious Boston-based environmental law firm of McGregor and Legere PC for legal services and Matthew S. Marro Environmental Consulting for environmental services. We are challenging the proposed expansion on several legal and regulatory fronts, as well as working to muster public opposition through various means.  

2021 August:  MRWC announces the formation of a statewide Coalition For a Sustainable Alternative to Expanding the Gardner Sludge Landfill. The Coalition includes the following nine local, regional and statewide groups and organizations (we hope to add a few more): Millers River Watershed Council, Gardner Clean Air, Athol Bird and Nature Club, Clean Water Action, Connecticut River Conservancy, MassPIRG, Mass Rivers Alliance, Mount Grace Conservation Land Trust and North County Land Trust.

V. Timeline/Chronology of Major Events

October 29, 2025: Gardner Clean Air and MRWC host an Appreciation Gathering in Gardner for supporters of a viable alternative to the sludge landfill expansion.

October, 2025: The Gardner Conservation Commission’s enforcement Order remains open; continued to the 10-27-25 Commission meeting.

October, 2025: Per questions from a  Gardner City Councilor on the status of the Final Environmental Impact Report (see 5-16-25 entry), the City Engineer indicates there is no anticipated cost or timeline yet for the FEIR, pending a revised approach to design and construction costs for a required “phased” construction (see 5-16-25).  MassDEP’s comments re phasing would be a major change in costs moving forward.  The “No-Build” alternative remains on the table.

August, 2025: Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia provides Facebook post on her tour of the West Fitchburg Wastewater Treatment Plant and discussion of continuing work with partners for the re-purposing the facility as a regional sludge Anaerobic Digestion facility.  She ends with: “More to come.”

July, 2025: The MassDEP inspection from 3-10-25 and Wastewater Facility Inspection Form become available, indicating that this facility is “not in compliance;” includes specific comments relative to not following Best Management Practices and an outdated Operations and Maintenance Manual. 

May 16, 2025: Certificate issued on Gardner Sludge Landfill’s Draft Environmental Impact – a “mixed bag”: The EOEEA Secretary’s determination, issued on May 20th, is that the DEIR “adequately and properly complies with MEPA and its implementing regulations.” However, Secretary Tepper rejected the City’s Preferred Alternative to build out the expansion all at once, instead requiring a “phased” construction. This is very good news, as it will allow for a flexible approach to future options and decision-making. Plus, the City has to respond to the comments made by the Secretary, MassDEP and others–including over 60 public comments from organizations and individuals–in a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR). Thanks to those of you who submitted comments! The Secretary also reserved the right to require additional MEPA review. The SLF’s DEIR Certificate can be downloaded from this link: MEPA Environmental Monitor.  

May, 2025: over 60 public comments submitted on the DEIR, including detailed comments by MRWC, the Coalition, Gardner Clean Air and MADEP.

April 18, 2025: MEPA office extends public comment period on Gardner Sludge Landfill Expansion DEIR to May 9,2025.

April 2, 2025: MRWC issues a press release, stating: “MRWC and the Coalition For a Sustainable Alternative to the Gardner Sludge Landfill Expansion have opposed the project on multiple grounds, including the cost, the potential for contamination of nearby drinking water wells in Gardner and Templeton, ongoing local efforts to construct clean and less costly alternatives, and the current failures of the existing sludge landfill to keep pooled liquids, sediment and contaminants from migrating off site.”

The press release stated further: MRWC and the Coalition are urging all residents and friends of the Otter and Millers River watersheds to comment on the DEIR and express their concerns, and their support for an economically and environmentally effective alternative. “The project still stinks, literally and figuratively,” [MRWC director Ivan] Ussach said. “Why lock into a 17-year commitment and then need to deal with the same problem and the new expenses all over again?” he added. “That doesn’t sound very cost-effective to me.”

March 26, 2025: Notice of Gardner’s long-awaited submission of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed expansion of its Sludge Landfill was published in the MEPA Environmental Monitor, after being submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office. A Public Comment period is open until April 25, 2025. Link to view DEIR doc.

Public comment is important and  can be made via email, MEPA Public Comment Portal (link on MEPA website), or mail. Email comments should be sent to Alexander Strysky, MEPA Analyst, at alexander.strysky@mass.gov: reference Gardner Sludge Landfill and EEA #16643 in subject line. An electronic copy of the DEIR may be found here:  https://www.gardner-ma.gov/1276/Sludge-Landfill-Expansion. A hardcopy version of the DEIR can be requested from: Department of Public Works, 50 Manca Drive, Gardner MA, 01440 slf@gardner-ma.gov 978-630-8195.

March, 2025: On March 6 of this year, another, larger sediment release occurred (see Sept. 2024), resulting in the ConservationCommission amending their Enforcement Order at their March 10 meeting. The Mass Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) inspected the site on March 10, the results of which are not yet available.  

February 10, 2025: Public Information Meeting (PIM) held at Perry Hall at Gardner City Hall–terrible acoustics, terrible signage. The City made copies of the draft DEIR, the Draft Public Involvement Plan (PIP), and the meeting presentation available beforehand on the City of Gardner website athttps://www.gardner-ma.gov/1276/Sludge-Landfill-Expansion.

No promotional outreach was made outside of digital content–no mailings to residents, no newspaper notices. Efforts to change the Feb. 10 mtg. date to avoid conflict with a regularly scheduled ConComm mtg. at which a landfill enforcement order was to be addressed were unsuccessful–you can be sure we’ll be commenting on that!

January, 2025:  Gardner is expected to submit its draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIR) soon in February, which will start a 30-day public comment clock running.

Related to the DEIR is the Public Information Meeting (PIM) required by MEPA–also a long time in coming. This meeting has been set for February 10th at 6 pm in Gardner; however that meeting time may ultimately conflict with an Gardner ConComm meeting that will be addressing an enforcement order (E/O) against the SLF.  This will be an in-person meeting at Gardner City Hall (Perry Auditorium).

November 27, 2024: Current SLF Enforcement Order: During the Nov. 27th Gardner Conservation Committee meeting, ConComm member Dave Orwig questioned Gardner DPW head Dane Arnold as to the cause of the existing siltation which is the subject of the current E/O. In his response, Dane mentioned “pooling of water” and the “failure of an earthen dam” that was unable to contain the large pooling–all of which was new information that had not been mentioned previously. When Coalition member Alan Rousseau (abutter and Gardner Clean Air) asked about possible mitigation measures, there was a discussion of installing a sedimentation basin near outfall pipe #2 to catch the pooled liquid that is running into the stormwater discharge: the ConComm chair said that was a good idea, and Dane agreed. Such mitigation would require that the DPW submit an NOI to the ConComm.

October 4, 2024: Gardner Conservation Commission issues Enforcement Order to the City of Gardner Department of Public Works for violation at Sludge Landfill Outfall Pipe #002 due to stormwater infrastructure and erosion and sediment control measures in disrepair.  Incident reported to MassDEP, resulting in a 9/19/24 site visit and 9/27/24 letter to the City.

September, 2024: An uncontrolled sediment release from the sludge landfill into neighboring wetlands occurred.

June 20, 2024: Gardner Municipal Landfill Annual Environmental Monitoring Report indicates detection of 1,4-dioxane exceeding OSRG (Office of Research Standards Guidelines) reporting limit of .3 ug/L in four on-site monitoring wells and an off-site private pond, approximately 1,200 feet south of landfill.  The source and cause are unknown.  Gardner Board of Health is addressing source/cause, extent, and mitigation.   (“MassDEP considers 1,4-dioxane an emerging contaminant because it is toxic and widely used so that pathways for human exposure exist; health protection standards are needed. 1,4-dioxane is a synthetic chemical with many uses as a solvent. Based on toxicity studies, EPA has categorized 1,4-dioxane as likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” – MassDEP)  Ref: Boston University Fact Sheet  Emerging Contaminants | Mass.gov

May 5, 2024: – new lawns signs available (see below: for Gardner and Templeton residents – Oppose the landfill expansion! Contact Alan Rousseau of Gardner Clean Air at rousseaua@verizon.net. Supplies are limited.

January 18,2024: Public presentation of Gardner Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) Study by Dan Spracklin, SoMax CEO.  The HTC proposal for constructing a waste-to-energy facility in Gardner includes a long-term earned-income stream, in addition to environmental benefits. Hosted by Gardner Clean Air at West End Beagle Club in Gardner. Here is the link to the video of the presentation:  Gardner Massachusetts SoMax Hydrothermal Carbonization Study Presentation (youtube.com)

December 19, 2023: Presentation by Fitchburg’s City Engineer to Fitchburg City Council on their planned Biosolids Management and Energy Facility (waste-to-energy), during which it was reported that the City has worked out a clear permitting pathway with state officials–a major milestone for this project that has long been in the planning stage. Video link: CloudCast v3 (telvue.com)

November, 2023: Gardner City Council votes down request by Councilor Jim Boone for a City Council Special Meeting for a presentation on the Gardner HTC Study.

August 29, 2023: Gardner Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) first Quarterly PFAS Report, includes testing of sludge cake.

June 5, 2023: Gardner City Council approves $307,000 for MEPA required Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for proposed sludge landfill expansion.

April 3, 2023: MassDEP site visit scheduled for Appeal of the Gardner Conservation Commissions Order of Conditions approved in November, 2022.

March 8, 2023: “Gardner Hydro-Thermal Carbonization (HTC) Study” completed by SoMax Circular Solutions for the City of Gardner.

February, 2023: New EOEEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper issues a Certificate, dated Feb. 10th, requiring the City of Gardner to submit an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)–a big victory for the Coalition! See Certificate [LINK]

January 27, 2023: MRWC submits public comments on behalf of The Coalition (Comments Link)

In addition, several Coalition member groups, including MRWC, submitted their own comments by the Jan. 31 deadline.

January 17, 2023: A site visit was convened by the MEPA office. The meeting was well attended by the public, many of whom expressed concerns about the potential for landfill liner leakage, contamination of drinking water wells, and the City’s limited consideration of alternatives.

January 9, 2023: That deadline was subsequently extended to January 31st. The Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is required to issue a ruling (“Certificate”) by Feb. 10th.

December 23, 2022 – Gardner submits Environmental Notification Form (ENF), which appeared in the 12/23/22 Environmental Monitor. This started a 20-day Public comment clock ticking for the MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act) review process, with comments due January 12th. 

2022 December: An appeal was submitted to MA-DEP on December 1st, relative to the Sludge Landfill expansion’s Notice of Intent (NOI) and the Order of Conditions (OOC) that was approved by the Gardner Conservation Commission on 11/14/22.  The appeal was filed by Nathaniel Stevens, of the law firm of McGregor, Legere & Stevens, on behalf of Alan Rousseau (as property abutter and aggrieved person) and a Ten Resident Group (all living in Gardner). The appeal requests that the Department of Environmental  Protection issue a Superseding Order of Conditions (SOC) denying the proposed work, based on outstanding issues with wetlands protection and stormwater management identified by the City’s Peer Review consultant, Tighe & Bond.

2022 (October): Coalition issues updated review of opposition reasoning covering overview, threats to water supply, better alternatives, and concerns with environmental destruction and air quality. LINK

2022 (August): The Aug. 8th public Hearing was moved to August 22. Thanks to everyone that was able to attend the 8/22/22 Conservation Commission Meeting! We again had a good mix of residents from Gardner and Templeton both in-person and via Zoom. The attendees asked some great questions and the Commission responded to those questions. The Commission continued the SLF Expansion NOI Public Hearing to Monday 10/24/22, pending a 3rd party peer review. Thus far, we are aware of 7 letters that have been sent to the Commission since 7/25/22 with comments on the SLF Expansion NOI. This includes letters from regional watershed and conservation groups including the Millers River Watershed Council, North County Land Trust, and Mount Grace Conservation Land Trust. Link here to MRWC NOI comment letter. Link here to North County Land Trust comments. Link here to Mount Grace comments. Link here to Alan Rousseau (abutter) comments.

2022 (July): At the July 25th Public Hearing on the Notice of Intent (NOI) that the City of Gardner submitted to the Gardner Conservation Commission, after hearing presentations by the City’s consultant and questions and comments (all critical) by several audience members both in the room and via Zoom (terrible audio!), the ConComm decided to continue the Public Hearing to August 8th.

2022 (May): MassDEP issues a Determination of Administrative Completeness in response to Gardner’s March submission replying to DEP’s Administrative Deficiency Letter of February. DEP puts its technical review of Gardner’s application “on hold” awaiting “Other Agency Determination” as part of the MEPA review process.

2022 (April): State Environmental Justice officials convene a pre-filing meeting with City of Gardner to address EJ concerns as part of the MEPA review process. Environmental Justice link.

2022 (February): On 2/17/22 A MassDEP issues an Administrative Deficiency Letter to Gardner, requiring additional work on the WP33 permit application.

2022 (January): City of Gardner submits its WP33 Permit Application to MassDEP on 1/18/22 to expand the existing sludge landfill. Coalition members prepare an Environmental Justice (EJ) Statement/Fact Sheet and meet with state EJ officials. See EJ Statement/Fact Sheet and EJ community map for proposed sludge landfill expansion (below).

Map link

2021 (November): On 11/16/21, we received an email from Dane Arnold (Gardner DPW Director), resulting from a recent public records request  indicating that the expansion plan footprint is now reduced to 4.2 acres.  This is very good news!  We are now in the process of  reviewing the environmental impacts of the new plan;

 –and also that the City is aiming to submit a WP 33 permit application to MassDEP the week of 1/3/22.  This will trigger the IRP (Individual Rule Project), an agreement between the City and MassDEP that specifies a schedule of administrative and technical reviews, public comment and public hearing, and MassDEP decisions. The IRP includes public notification and comment via the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) process.  We will be providing more information on the IRP and public review process in the near future. We will need many voices to comment on the permit application and address the need for environmentally sustainable alternatives!

2021 (October): The City resumed SLF expansion design work.

2021 (September) –

2021 August:  MRWC announces the formation of a statewide Coalition For a Sustainable Alternative to Expanding the Gardner Sludge Landfill. The Coalition includes the following nine local, regional and statewide groups and organizations (we hope to add a few more): Millers River Watershed Council, Gardner Clean Air, Athol Bird and Nature Club, Clean Water Action, Connecticut River Conservancy, MassPIRG, Mass Rivers Alliance, Mount Grace Conservation Land Trust and North County Land Trust.

2021 (Mar): Gardner Conservation Commission votes unanimously for a positive determination on the Request for Determination of Applicability. This is a great victory for protecting the 3 vernal pools!

2020 (Dec): North County Land Trust (NCLT) acquires the 157-acre Ebenezer Keyes Conservation Area in order to establish a new conservation area in Gardner. This property is in the 1⁄2 to 1 mile radius of the proposed expansion.

2020 (Dec): MRWC and Alan Rousseau (abutter) jointly file a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) under the Gardner Wetland Protection Ordinance to have the Conservation Commission recognize the certified Vernal Pools and confirm that work near them requires Conservation Commission approval.

2020 (Aug): City informs MADEP of inability to provide the requested information due to recent special election for a new Mayor and budgetary constraints.

2020 (Jul): During MADEP field visit to review wetlands delineation, City learns of certified vernal pools within and near proposed expansion area. MADEP requests that City provide water resource calculations for the vernal pools.

2020 (Jun): Abutter Alan Rousseau files appeal to ORAD

2020 (Jun): Gardner Conservation Commission issues Order of Resource Area Delineation (ORAD) confirming the accuracy of the boundaries of the bordering vegetated wetlands and vernal pool (identified as B series) under the MA Wetlands Protection Act.

2020 (Feb): DEP & City Meeting on expansion.

2019: MRWC certifies three vernal pools with NHESP. NHESP notifies Gardner Conservation Commission of certification.

2017 (Oct): City submits initial application for expansion, DEP advises that a different application for required. 2018 (May) — DEP & City execute Individual Project Rule.

2016 (Dec): After a well-attended City Council public hearing in October, in which not a single person spoke in favor of the project (except for the Mayor), and during which Gardner Clean Air submitted a petition with over 300 signatures of residents opposing the project, the City Council approves the Mayor’s order to endorse the Sludge Landfill expansion.

2016 (Nov): Gardner Clean Air partners with the Millers River Watershed Council (MRWC).

2016 (Feb): MADEP approves 30-foot vertical expansion of existing Sludge Landfill.

2015: CDR Maguire consultant prepares alternatives analysis for sludge disposal and concludes Sludge Landfill expansion is determined to be lowest cost option.

2015: United Water (landfill operator) implements work procedure changes to reduce odors. Odors reduced, but continue to the present time.

2014: Gardner Clear Air grassroots group is founded and advocates for alternative solution to expansion.

2014: Major odor problems reported by residents results in a Board of Health Public Meeting at which the Board Chair commits to further discussion and action as covered by local newspaper articles.

2013: Sludge Landfill reaches maximum capacity per design specifications.

2012: CDR Maguire begins evaluations for Sludge Landfill expansion

2005: Solid Waste Landfill Closes – Also emits terrible odors for 2-3 years after capping

1990: Operations begin at existing Sludge Landfill

1985: City receives site assignment approval for existing Sludge Landfill

Athol Daily News, 5-8-25: “Comments on Gardner sludge landfill expansion due Friday” – link

The Gardner News, May 2, 2025: “Deadline to comment on proposed sludge landfill expansion is May 9: What are the options?” – link

The Winchendon Courier, 12/21/23: “A Faulty Economic Justification for Gardner’s Sludge Landfill Expansion” – link

North East Biosolids & Residuals Association (NEBRA), 7/27/23: “City of Gardner’s Struggles Reflect Bigger Regional Challenges”

The Gardner News, 3/2/23: “Sludge landfill expansion plan delayed again – here’s what the hold-up is now” – LINK

Athol Daily News, 2/21/23: article re EIR ruling: “Further review needed for Gardner landfill expansion” – link and attached

The Gardner News, 2/8/23: Gardner’s sludge landfill expansion awaits MassDEP ruling: What to know (thegardnernews.com)

Athol Daily News 1/24/23: article re MEPA site visit: “Officials weigh expansion proposal for Gardner sludge landfill” – attached

Athol Daily News 12/22/22: article re Appeal of ConCom decision —attached

Athol Daily News, 11/21/22: “Coalition opposed to sludge landfill expansion weighs next steps” – Link

The Gardner News, 8/3/22: https://millerswatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/tgn-article-3aug2022-gardner-sludge-landfill-expansion-put-on-hold-for-study.pdf

Athol Daily News, 5/12/22: https://www.atholdailynews.com/Sludge-landfill-expansion-proposal-awaits-next-step-46304064?utm_source=HeadlineAlerts&utm_medium=DailyNewsletter&utm_campaign=HeadlineAlerts

The Gardner News, 12/22/21: Gardner sludge landfill nearing capacity; officials seeking solutions (thegardnernews.com)

Athol Daily News, 11/3/21: https://millerswatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/athol-daily-news-article-3nov2021.pdf

Sludge Landfill Coalition press release 11/1/21: https://millerswatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/mrwc-coalition-press-release-1nov2021-1.pdf

Gardner News, 12/22/21: Gardner sludge landfill nearing capacity; officials seeking solutions (thegardnernews.com)