DEP Findings: Crow Lane dump emissions public health threat

Report: Levels of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide above public health levels

Gas emissions from the Crow Lane landfill in Newburyport flare at levels that pose a potential public health threat, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection announced in a report today.

The report, which is available at the DEP’s website – http://www.mass.gov/dep/about/region/northeas.htm#facilities – was compiled from data collected this spring, tracking hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the landfill.

“This DEP confirmed what we already know: the noxious fumes coming from the Crow Lane Landfill are a public health threat,” said Sen. Steven Baddour. “It is incumbent on New Ventures, the DEP and the Attorney General’s office to cap this landfill as soon possible.”

The report comes after a long summer, in which gas and odors from the landfill brought justified complaints from nearby residents.

“Our offices have been flooded with letters and emails from frustrated residents looking for answers to this problem,” Rep. Michael Costello said. “I see this report as a call to action. This problem must be stopped. Fortunately, I think we will see action against New Ventures by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Attorney General’s Office very soon.”

In December 2005, the City of Newburyport forced New Ventures to stop using a mixture of construction and demolition waste (known as C&D) to shape the landfill. Gypsum dust from the C&D had been mixing with waste to create hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a “rotten egg” odor.

New Ventures had used C&D to shape and form the landfill in preparation for a permanent, impermeable cap which would stop the gas emissions. Large parts of the landfill were never capped, however. Although New Ventures did install a unit to capture and burn the gasses, that unit has been ineffective, according to the DEP report.