MORETOWN, Vt. -
The state is shutting down the Moretown Landfill.
Despite a flurry of activity by the new owners to answer odor concerns, state regulators will not issue a permit for continued operation.
The landfill has drawn complaints from neighbors for years. The Vt. Agency of Natural Resources finally had enough in December, giving the owners three months warning that they would be forced to close.
Advanced Disposal responded with a $1 million plan for a new piping system and 2-acre plastic lining to try to alleviate the odors. Regulators applauded those efforts, but said they didn't go far enough to assure the agency there would not be future odor problems.
Thursday, regulators denied Advanced Disposal's application to keep operating the facility, citing the company's failure to control the stench and gas emissions, and violations of groundwater quality standards.
The landfill must begin shutting down in 30 days. Once it's closed, the landfill will still be obligated to control odors and reduce impacts to groundwater, and will be required to develop long term plans to ensure these issues are addressed during the post-closure period.
That will leave Vermont with just a single operating landfill in Coventry.
Advanced Disposal says it expects to appeal the decision.
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