Landfill Health Risk Study

On July 27, 2009 the DPW received a landfill study recently completed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) entitled "Evaluation of Sediment and Surface Water Sampling Data at the Northampton Sanitary Landfill", dated July 9, 2009. According to DPH the study "was completed in response to residents' concerns about possible environmental exposures, specifically concerns that substances from the landfill may have migrated via groundwater and stormwater flows to off-site surface water and sediment." The conclusion drawn by DPH in the study is: "..MDPH concludes that touching and incidentally eating or drinking small amounts of sediments and surface water in streams and wetlands downstream from the Landfill is not expected to result in health effects. This was because levels of chemicals in sediment and surface water that could get into a child's, adolescent's, or an adult's body during recreational activities are below levels that would effect their health." These conclusions are the same as those previously reached in a City commissioned report by Gradient Corporation entitled "Focused Risk Characterization Northampton Municipal Landfill" dated February 28, 2008. The DPH report has been posted on the DPW website or by clicking the title of this entry.

Solid Waste Alternatives Discussion Group

A Solid Waste Alternatives Discussion Group has been set up for public collaboration on this issue so critical to Northampton's future. Read and sign up to post your ideas at groups.google.com/group/nton-swalts or by clicking the title of this entry.

Solid Waste Alternatives Study

The final draft of the Solid Waste Alternatives Study by Stantec/HDR is now available on our website or by clicking the title of this entry (6.5 mb pdf). Paper copies are also available at the Forbes and Lilly Libraries.

Hatfield Street Sidewalks

New sidewalk construction on Hatfield Street between Bridge Road and Locust Street is now open to pedestrian and road traffic. This ADA compliant sidewalk also provides access to the Francis Ryan section of the Norwottuck Railtrail and a new crosswalk to access Smith Vocational High School. This important public transportation project was paid for by the City's Capital Improvement program. Come and take a stroll.