DEM investigates illegal sludge dump in Johnston landfill

THE R.I. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT is investigating Synagro for allegedly dumping thousands of pounds of out-of-state sludge at Rhode Island's central landfill.
THE R.I. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT is investigating Synagro for allegedly dumping thousands of pounds of out-of-state sludge at Rhode Island's central landfill.

WOONSOCKET – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management is investigating waste disposal company Synagro for allegedly dumping thousands of pounds of out-of-state sludge at the state’s central landfill in Johnston, WPRI reported.

An investigator told WPRI the Baltimore-based company allegedly dumped about 390,000 pounds of dried sludge over three days in July. Sludge usually consists of solid materials from waste water treatment plants.

The landfill does not accept out-of-state waste, which officials said should be well known.

“It’s posted everywhere as you drive into the facility. It’s in all our commercial contracts. It’s on the affidavit they sign for every load they deliver to the site,” R.I. Resource Recovery Corporation Director of Operations and Engineering Brian Card told WPRI.

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Card said a former Synagro employee called RIRRC to say the company was bringing out-of-state sludge material. He said the company acknowledged the dumping but he did not know if they gave a reason for it, WPRI reported.

A Synagro employee not named by WPRI said dumping in Johnston cut costs in half.

Nearby residents have complained out-of-state dumping contributes to the odor from the Johnston facility, often a point of contention in the area.

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