Closer look at S. Hadley landfill

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - After a number of complaints, the state will take a closer look at the landfill in South Hadley. They want to make sure landfill operators follow waste disposal laws.

The Republican is reporting the South Hadley Board of Health complained to State Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell.

They apparently said there is poor enforcement of waste disposal laws and rules by landfill management and the DEP's western region office.

Kimmell said the compliance rate is unnacceptable, the state is investigating and operators face criminal prosecution if problems aren't fixed.

Those who live in the area say the landfill is simply getting too big.

Randy Sujat of Chicopee told 22News “The environment is important but unfortunately we generate trash and we've got to put it somewhere so I think we're kind of stuck with what we have.”

The landfill's operation manager says the facility is being operated properly.