PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 5, 2023
An environmental public health nonprofit group said Friday that Casella Waste Systems has manufactured Maine’s sludge crisis, leaving 30 wastewater treatment plants across the state with nowhere to send their sludge. Officials with Casella say that claim is false. According to the Portland-based Defend Our Health, data from Casella’s lobbyists shows sludge contributions have increased by less than 4.4% and bulky waste is down only 3.9% since two laws were passed last spring to address the impact of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” on the state’s environment. Adam Nordell, campaign manager at Defend Our Health, became an advocate after PFAS contamination was discovered on the organic farm he and his wife owned and operated, prompting the closure of the farm.