They want the board to hold a public hearing on the project. Scarborough has also hired an outside environmental inspector to survey the land and water around the site of the proposed plant. Westbrook and Pine Tree officials say some neighbors may be reacting to inaccurate information about the project. Scott Hagemeyer, Casella's business development specialist, said the facility would rarely handle as much as 1,000 tons of waste a day. He said the large capacity will allow the station to handle surges in waste streams from construction and demolition projects as well as peak flows of municipal waste, which can vary depending on the season.
Traffic is a major issue for the neighboring towns.
Gorham Town Manager David Cole said his town has not taken a position on the project, but has concerns about any increase in traffic on Routes 114 and 22, and on County Road and Spring Street. Developers say there will be little or no traffic impact because many of the trucks have already been traveling to the RWS site a few miles away. Should problems occur, Hagemeyer said, the company is community-minded and will do whatever is in its power to lessen the impact. Many are still skeptical. South Portland City Manager Jeffery Jordan said he is more concerned with the economic disruption the new facility could bring.