Commission continues enforcement orders for sludge landfill and property cases, sets follow-up dates

The commission voted to continue enforcement proceedings for a sludge landfill case and for property-specific enforcement matters, setting future hearing dates and asking staff to obtain regulatory guidance and evidence before returning.

Commission members said they had received sludge landfill reports and were awaiting word from the Department of Environmental Protection. A staff member said a letter requesting guidance was sent by email and certified mail and recommended pushing the enforcement order hearing out to Aug. 25 to allow time for DEP response. A motion to continue the enforcement order to Aug. 25 was moved and seconded and the commission voiced approval.

Separately, the commission addressed a property at "36 Nicole Terrace" (as referenced in the meeting) and agreed to continue that matter to Oct. 27 to allow time for additional site photos and inspections. A resident who identified themselves as present at the meeting offered to take photos for staff. The commission recorded a motion to continue the Nicole Terrace matter to Oct. 27; the motion was seconded and approved.

Commissioners also continued consideration of an older case at 170 Mill Street to the Aug. 25 meeting after a staff request to allow more time to work through outstanding issues.

Commissioners asked staff to seek DEP guidance on the sludge landfill matter, collect and submit additional photos and documentation for property cases, and confirm whether DEP would provide a response before the scheduled Aug. 25 meeting. The commission did not adopt any enforcement remedies at this meeting; it instead extended deadlines to obtain additional information and regulatory input.