Dear Neighbors:
On Monday, March 2, Saugus Ash Landfill Closure Committee Members Debra Panetta and Peter Manoogian spoke at the Saugus Board of Health meeting and provided important information related to the landfill’s expected closure date. If you have not yet had the chance to listen to the meeting, I encourage you to search for “Saugus Board of Health – March 3rd, 2026” on YouTube.
After listening to the meeting and reading the documents Mr. Manoogian presented, two things were apparent to me. First, the landfill’s closure has been an issue for a long time. The landfill was initially scheduled to close almost 30 years ago. Second, that anticipated closure is not an abstract idea. It is a known date that is rapidly approaching, Nov. 1, 2027.
The paper trail produced, the previous deadlines set, and the criteria that exists and has not been met–it is all very clearly outlined. Regardless of how hard the task ahead may be, WIN Waste has a responsibility to be present and accountable as the Committee works toward a transparent closure plan that considers the environmental impact of the landfill on residents. I am optimistic this will happen with the Committee’s suggestion to add closure updates to each monthly Board of Health meeting.
I commend Ms. Panetta, Mr. Manoogian, and the Saugus Ash Landfill Closure Committee for their diligent research and continued advocacy, because work like this does not get done unless people, particularly those most affected by an issue, elevate the message.
I am not going to pretend to be an expert in landfill regulation or maintenance. It is my responsibility, however, as a candidate for State Representative but more importantly as a neighbor, to listen to the people who are experts in waste management and ecological protection and to work hand-in-hand with them to achieve a shared goal: waste management in a manner that is ecologically responsible and protects the public.
Yours in partnership,
Zosia VanMeter
Candidate for State Representative, 9th Essex District
www.electzvm.com
@realzvm on FB/Instagram/TikTok