Adams Board of Health to Inspect Debris at Curtis Paper Mill
ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Health will inspect reported debris left at the former Curtis Paper Mill.
The board heard last week from resident and Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District Program Coordinator Linda Cernik, who had concerns over the growing amount debris at the Howland Avenue mill.
"There are about 100 mattresses stored back there," she said. "Since August, it has been progressing and those are combustible materials."
Discussion sparked on social media last week when residents shared concerns over apparent activity at the mill.
Last year, the town pulled MJD Real Estate's operating permits. Owners Norman Dellaghelfa Jr. and Roberta Dellaghelfa, who used the facility for their trucking business, owe the town more than $450,000 in unpaid real estate and personal property taxes.
It was found that a dumpster business was storing some if its containers on the property, however, the town did not believe this to be a violation of the permit.
The Board of Health noted that the permitting issue is not under its purview but the storage of debris very well may be.
"It has not been on our radar and it has not come to us," board member Bruce Shepley said. "It's a health issue if it is solid waste and it is now on our radar."
In other business, the board also discussed the new transfer station that should be up in running by November.
"There are significant changes coming for use of the transfer station and we think they are positive," Shepley said. "It will be a better structure and I think it will help the town in many ways."
The town is overhauling the recycling center at the closed landfill on East Road to turn it into a full-service transfer station. The pay-as-you-throw system is designed to help offset the cost of the center and give residents a local trash removal option.
Cernik said much of her time has been spent up at the transfer station educating users.
"I was up there just educating the community and giving out information," she said. "People are excited ... it will be a one-stop shop."
She noted that some are concerned about brush removal and did not want to purchase a permit to bring up a single load of leaves in the fall.
Cernik said a monthly permit may be allowed so if residents are only concerned about removing trash or brush for a limited amount of time, there is a cheaper option.
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