Adams Board of Health - Specialty Minerals Site Determination

ADAMS BOARD OF HEALTH

NOTICE OF DECISION

Specialty Minerals, Inc. – Quarry Minerals Management Area

Site Assignment Application - Site Suitability Determination

Dated: August 3, 2021

The Adams Board of Health has reviewed the Site Assignment application for the Specialty Minerals Inc. (SMI) Quarry Landfill, proposed to be located on SMI property at 260 Columbia Street in Adams. The application, consisting of the Site Suitability Report, proposed site assignment of land on SMI property for use as a permitted, solid waste landfill for mineral solids produced by the SMI facility. Site Assignment of the landfill is required in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, section 150A and 150A½, as amended, and the MassDEP's solid waste regulations at 310 CMR 16.00.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) reviewed SMI’s Site Assignment application and prepared a Report on Site Suitability pursuant to 310 CMR 16.13 dated May 14, 2021. MassDEP determined that the proposed site meets each of the site suitability criteria for a landfill facility set forth in the Site Assignment regulations at 310 CMR 16.40(3)(a) and 310 CMR 16.40(4), and therefore is of the opinion that the proposed site is suitable for use as a landfill facility.

The Adams Board of Health held a Public Hearing in accordance with 310 CMR 16.20 on June 9, 2021, to consider SMI’s Site Assignment request. After reviewing MassDEP’s Report on Site Suitability and receiving public comment on the application, the Board of Health determined that it concurs with MassDEP’s conclusion that the proposed site meets the site suitability criteria described in 310 CMR 16.40. The Board of Health voted unanimously on June 9, 2021, to approve this Site Assignment request.

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Health may, within 30 days of publication of this Notice of Decision, appeal under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A, §14.

David B. Rhoads, PhD – Chair

Town of Adams Board of Health

8 Park Street, Adams, MA 01220

Tel.: 413-743-8300 x179

Web: town.adams.ma.us/board-health