Cape Cod Commission Weighs In On Bourne Landfill

By: Diana T. Barth
Published: 01/15/10

In a letter dated January 4, Mr. Niedzwiecki asked that selectmen wait to make any such agreements, at least until Barnstable County completes its Municipal Solid Waste Alternatives Analysis, a report that should be finished this coming spring.

“One of the outcomes of the County Alternatives Analysis may be a recommendation to dispose of MSW from the 14 Cape towns at the Bourne landfill,” the letter stated.

Mr. Niedzwiecki went on to say that if the use of the Bourne landfill is presented to the other Cape towns as a preferred option, he would like to ensure that the Cape Cod Solid Waste Contract Committee has an opportunity to discuss that option.

Selectmen received the letter in their packet on Tuesday, and they asked several questions of the town administrator.

They were very interested in learning how becoming part of a regional effort, or MSW district, would affect the town’s control over the landfill. Town Administrator Thomas M. Guerino said that a regional effort might have some effect on the selectmen’s control, but should not affect the board of health’s statutory oversight of the operation.

Landfill personnel have been involved in the Cape-wide meetings discussing waste disposal alternatives. Landfill General Manager Daniel J. Barrett said in a memorandum to the town administrator that there are several options in which the Department of Integrated Solid Waste Management could play a part. The formation of a solid waste refuse district to run the landfill, one with representation by all member towns, is just one option.

Mr. Niedzwiecki’s letter said those options include individual contracts between Bourne and other Cape Cod towns.

Selectmen did not take any formal vote on the issue, which selectmen want to discuss with the board of health and in depth at a future meeting. 

Once the county report is completed, the implementation of any recommendation could not take place without a vote at Town Meeting.

Mr. Niedzwiecki is set to visit the selectmen this coming Tuesday. However, that meeting was scheduled to discuss the formation of an Ocean Management District, a District of Critical Planning Concern, and it is yet to be seen whether the landfill can be added to that agenda.

On Tuesday, January 26, selectmen are expected to discuss the formation of a committee to hear landfill proposals concerning privatization and public/private partnerships, so as to allow for an initial screening of those proposals.