Group petitions to add ballot question

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A Northampton group that calls itself "Water Not Waste" has succeeded in placing a new question on the city's November ballot.

It's a non-binding question about Northampton's intention to expand the landfill on Glendale St. The question reads "Should the city of Northampton expand the landfill over the Barnes Aquifer?"

Residents who live on Glendale Street in Northampton organized the group called "Water Not Waste." They are concerned that the waste from the landfill could pollute the water of the Barnes Aquifer.

Mimi Odgers, the leader of the group, explained to 22News that this water is the drinking source for residents of Westfield, Holyoke, Easthampton, and Southampton.

Which is why she says the town should look towards alternative options besides expanding the landfill. "There's the health concerns and the environmental concerns. Susan Condon from the Mass DEP said you can't really know the health effects for 30 years of a landfill," said Odgers.

In order to get the questions on the ballot, "Water Not Waste" had to collect signatures from registered voters. They collected 1993 signatures.

Now voters will be able to vote on that question come November.