Developers Say “Two Years Left” – But Science and Law Say Otherwise

As debate over the proposed Leominster Fairgrounds gambling project heats up, developers and city officials are pushing a misleading narrative about the former landfill site. The claim? That only two years remain on the mandatory environmental monitoring period—and if residents don’t support the project, they’ll be “stuck with a mess.”

But here’s what they’re not telling you:

🔹 Landfills must be monitored for AT LEAST 30 years – and often much longer
🔹 Disturbing the landfill (such as new gas collection systems or alterations) could restart or extend monitoring obligations
🔹 Even if the city leases the land, taxpayers could still be financially liable for future contamination

This raises serious legal, environmental, and financial red flags that city leaders and residents must address before allowing developers to move forward.

🚛 When is a Landfill “Closed” for Good?

Under federal law, landfills don’t simply “expire” after 30 years. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires landfill owners to monitor and mitigate any environmental hazards until the site is deemed safe—a process that often extends decades beyond the initial closure period.

📌 Fact: Many older landfill sites across the country still require oversight well beyond 30 years due to ongoing risks from leachate (contaminated water runoff) and landfill gas emissions.

So, what happens if the Fairgrounds project disturbs the landfill?

💥 Monitoring could be extended or restarted entirely. Federal and state regulators could require:
✔️ New environmental impact studies
✔️ More groundwater testing
✔️ Additional mitigation measures to prevent contamination

This means Leominster taxpayers could be on the hook for decades of environmental costs—even if the land is leased to private developers.

💰 Who Pays for the Cleanup?

Developers are promising a big economic win, but history tells a different story. In many cases, developers structure their deals to shift liability away from themselves (such as forming an LLC.) —leaving cities and residents holding the bag if contamination is discovered later.

🔴 If toxic runoff from the landfill spreads years after the project is built, who pays?
🔴 If groundwater contamination is detected after lease agreements are signed, who is responsible?
🔴 If state regulators extend monitoring due to new disturbances, will the city be forced to fund it?

💸 The answer: Probably YOU, the taxpayer.

❌ The City Can’t Sell Off Environmental Liability

Despite claims that the landfill will be off Leominster’s hands in two years, that’s not how environmental law works. The city remains legally responsible for ensuring the site does not become an environmental hazard.

And what if something goes wrong years after the developers move on?
🚧 Who cleans it up? Who pays the legal fees? 🚧

The answers remain unclear—and until they are, Leominster residents deserve full transparency before any land deal is finalized.

📢 Demand Answers BEFORE It’s Too Late!

🔹 Who will hold financial liability for landfill monitoring after the lease?
🔹 Will state or federal agencies require extended monitoring if the land is developed?
🔹 What environmental risks are being ignored or downplayed in the rush to approve this project?

📢 It’s time for accountability. Demand the city provide FULL transparency on landfill liability before handing over the site to private developers.

Stay informed. Get involved. Protect Leominster’s future.

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