Press Release: 2024-11-06

MassDEP Grants New Bedford Opportunity to Weigh in on Proposed Waste Facility

 



Listening session follows CLF’s requests for public input on traffic and pollution 



NOVEMBER 5, 2024



Photo: image of garbage truck carrying waste from a dumpster into a waste transfer station or a landfill.



CLF will continue advocating to ensure that residents’ concerns are at the forefront of any final decisions regarding the waste transfer station proposed by South Coast Renewables, formerly Parallel Products. Photo: Shutterstock



November 5, 2024 (Boston, MA) – In response to requests by Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and local residents, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has scheduled a public listening session to address community concerns over South Coast Renewables’ proposed waste transfer facility in New Bedford. This session will allow the community to speak directly about the facility’s potential impacts on local traffic, air quality, and overall quality of life. The meeting will occur on November 13, 2024, at Pulaski Elementary School in New Bedford. 



“This listening session is happening because New Bedford residents demanded a say in decisions that could bring more pollution and traffic to their neighborhoods,” said Alex St. Pierre, Director of Communities and Toxics at CLF. “For a community already burdened by environmental hazards, having a real voice in this process is essential to protecting their health and quality of life.” 



“But the meeting is not just a formality – it’s a real chance for the community to shape what happens next,” St. Pierre added. “We hope to see residents sharing their perspectives and asking tough questions to ensure their voices are heard and valued in this decision.” 



The decision to hold the session follows a letter from CLF and local organizations in July, pressing MassDEP to engage the community in the project review. CLF will continue advocating to ensure that residents’ concerns are at the forefront of any final decisions regarding the waste transfer station proposed by South Coast Renewables, formerly Parallel Products. In addition to the session, residents will also be able to submit written comments to MassDEP until December 4, 2024.



CLF experts are available for further comment.