CSWD IS WORKING WITH THE STATE AND THE INTERVALE CENTER IN HOPES OF KEEPING COMPOSTING FACILITY OPEN

The Intervale Center (IC), owner of Intervale Compost Products (ICP), has indicated that it plans to stop accepting new waste on May 1. CSWD is committed to keeping its composting program alive and well, and is exploring all options.

"We don't want to lose the early adopters who are bringing food scraps to the Intervale and avail themselves of our Drop-Off Composting Program," said Tom Moreau, CSWD General Manager. "We have worked hard to get this program and don't want to close it down now that it's gathering some real steam. Keeping Intervale Compost Products going may be our best option at this time."

CSWD is working with IC and the Attorney General's Office to determine the feasibility of taking over the composting operation and keeping it open. ICP came under fire from the State of Vermont for alleged permit violations, which called into question whether the facility was negatively effecting the environment. It has since been shown that the facility is indeed not in violation for environmental impact. Additionally, IC is unable to undertake archaeological studies required by Act 250 due to the expense. Those studies could cost upwards of $300,000.

"This will be an open process," Moreau says. "Other options do exist, such as trucking compostables to more distant facilities. We will pursue those other options if, in the end, it doesn't work out with the Intervale." CSWD is dedicated to reducing the amount of food waste that ends up in the landfill, and in the event that the Intervale Compost closes, CSWD will work to make the transition seamless to its customers and continue to encourage them to bring their compostables.

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