The following material is from Water Not Waste's website. WNW is a new citizens' group committed to preserving the quality of the Barnes Aquifer in Western Massachusetts. They oppose the expansion of the Northampton Landfill over this aquifer. Their current priority is getting a Non-Binding Public Opinion Advisory Question placed on the November ballot. If successful the question shall read,
"Shall the City of Northampton expand the Northampton landfill over the Barnes Aquifer?"
According to WNW, this question will help open up public debate on the City's intention to expand the landfill over a water supply protection district. The state Dept. of Environmental Protection has granted the city a waiver which would allow the proposed landfill expansion in this district. Northampton Mayor Mary Clare Higgins supports the expansion. The city's solicitor, Janet Sheppard, who works for the city at the discretion of Higgins, instituted a gag order on the council meaning that council members cannot speak to their constituents regarding the proposed expansion. The council must issue a special permit to the Board of Public Works in order for the expansion to move forward. The BPW has not yet applied for that permit.
The citizens' question came before the City Council on July 9th and was tabled. If the council rejects the question WNW promises to wage a signature campaign in the city to ensure the question will be placed on the November ballot. The council is to supposed to hold a special meeting sometime this week to address the question.
Video of the portions of the meeting concerning the question can be found at WNW.
