Residents want action taken on South Hadley landfill

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - Failure to comply with state regulations has landfill operators in South Hadley paying hefty fines, and residents are urging town officials to take action.

The state's Department of Environmental Protection issued a $23,000 fine to the operators of the South Hadley Landfill two weeks ago.

The penalty comes after the state agency conducted an investigation which found 87 odor complaints have been filed against the group that operates the landfill. According to the executive order, landfills must control gases and other air pollutants in order to maintain air quality; something the DEP's regional director says hasn't been done.

Victor Anop is an attorney representing several residents who live near the landfill. On Wednesday, he met with the town's Board of Health.

“We want to go back and press them to do their job. Under chapter 111 of the general laws, they have the power to stop these nuisances,” Anop said.

This is not the first time that the state has intervened. Back in April, landfill operators where ordered to assess a 20 foot crack on one of its berms.