WEST PARIS – An expansion project for the West Paris transfer station is complete, ending a bottleneck that has existed since recycling was reintroduced last spring.
The expansion filled 4,200 feet of wetland, allowed for the relocation of the recycling bins and provided an exit drive separate from the entrance.
To make the change, the town highway crew filled an area behind the utility shed and completed construction of a second drive, which now serves as an exit onto Pioneer Street.
Selectman Wayne Theofrastou said the new plot plan is working very well, “and we are not seeing the traffic jams that we were seeing when the station still had a combined entrance and exit drive.”
Selectmen have also announced they are planning to study an even larger expansion if the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will agree to approve a permit to fill more of the wetland area. However, there will be an estimated cost of $350 plus other studies that may be needed if the DEP should approve more expansion.
Town Manager Donald Woodbury said, “We do have funds still available in the landfill closing account, which could be used, but it would be up to the selectmen if they wish to use those funds.”
Selectman Bill Birney said, “I would rather not do any more with the wetlands, and I’m afraid we may need the landfill funds later on for a final closing of the landfill. Right now we only have a temporary permit for the closing and may be told to close it altogether sometime in the future.”
Selectmen agreed to study the matter before making a decision.
Comments are no longer available on this story